London acid attacker on the loose as girl, 14, suffers 'life-changing' injuries

Two school pupils have been rushed to hospital following a horrific acid attack in London. A manhunt has been launched in a bid to track down the suspect, with one of the victims, a

14-year-old girl, suffering potentially life-changing injuries. The attack took place at the Westminster Academy in Harrow Road, Paddington after a substance thought to be acidic was thrown

at the two pupils and a staff member at around 4.40pm on Monday. A 16-year-old boy was the other teen injured, with a Metropolitan Police spokesperson saying his injuries are not

life-threatening or life-changing. A 27-year-old woman was also rushed to hospital for treatment after the attack but has since been discharged. Police on patrol were flagged down at 4.42pm

on Monday, September 30 by staff at a school in Alfred Road W2 after a substance was allegedly thrown at pupils and a staff member. Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire

Brigade and found three people injured - a 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, who remains in hospital, a 27-year-old woman, whose condition is not

life-threatening or life-changing who has been discharged and a 14-year-old girl, whose injuries may potentially be life-changing. She remains in hospital. Tests of the substance are ongoing

but at this stage officers believe it to be acidic. Urgent enquiries are under way to identify and arrest the culprits with a number of crime scenes are in place. Two officers were also

taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell. Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: “Officers were on routine patrol when

they were flagged down to this terrible incident. “From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a

substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road. “A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process.

Fortunately she has now left hospital. “The two teenage victims – a girl and a boy - remain in hospital. For the 14-year-old girl we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are

but at this time they are being treated as life-changing. “I know how incredibly concerning this incident is to parents and pupils and the wider Westminster community. We are in close

contact with the school and local authority, and I can assure people that a thorough investigation is well under way, and that my officers will not stop until the suspect is found and

arrested. “If you have information that can help us, it is imperative that you tell us immediately. The area at the time was busy with people and cars. I am particularly interested in

hearing from anyone who might have captured dash cam footage that can help us establish what happened.” The Westminster Academy has closed the school today. A school spokesperson said:

“Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teachers." A Year Six open day which had been due to take

place on Tuesday will also be rescheduled. The suspect is described as a tall, slim, Black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. He rode an

e-scooter to and from the scene. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, should call 101 ref CAD 4987/30 Sept. To remain 100 percent anonymous they

can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."