Detectives launch manhunt for London school 'acid attacker'

Police have launched a manhunt after a teenage girl was left with 'life-changing injuries' in a suspected 'acid attack' at a school in London.

The 14-year-old was one of three people hospitalised after being allegedly sprayed with the harmful substance outside Westminster Academy in Paddington yesterday.

A teacher and a 16-year-old boy were also hurt in the attack, while the Metropolitan Police said two of its officers who rushed to the scene were also checked over by medics as a precaution.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 4.40pm on Monday after an assault involving an 'acid-like corrosive substance', with witnesses claiming they saw people 'rushing around' inside and outside the buildings.

The school remained closed to students today, with its headteacher saying the 'distressing incident' took place as teachers and pupils were leaving at the end of the school day.

The Met says has launched an 'urgent' investigation to find those responsible, with officers seen outside the school this morning.

Officers had been flagged down by a member of staff outside the school, with claims the substance had been thrown at a teenage girl and two others, The Times reports.

The 14-year-old girl who was hurt in the incident remains in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries', the force said.

A 27-year-old woman has since been discharged from hospital after the attack, while a 16-year-old boy, is being treated for non-life threatening or life-changing injuries. 

The principal of Westminster Academy, Mrs Numera Anwar, has shared a message as the school remains closed today. 

Her message read: 'One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance. 

'This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site. We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved.

'This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place.

'We are working with the local authority and will have counsellors and other support available onsite. 

'The welfare of the students at Westminster Academy is always our priority and that continues to remain the case.

'This will clearly be an unsettling time for the wider community and parents. While police lead the investigation into this incident I would urge everyone to avoid speculation as this will not be helpful and may compromise the investigation. 

'Our focus remains on our students and staff members and that is what we are concentrating on.'

It comes shortly after the academy located on a Harrow Road, announced they were closed today via their website.

'Due to unforeseen circumstances the WA school site will be closed on Tuesday 1st October,' the statement read. 

'Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teacher.  Thank you for your understanding.' 

Members of staff have since returned to the premises today and could be seen in meetings. 

Locals have since spoken out about the incident, with one describing it as 'very scary'.

A barber continued: 'Around six ambulances and around four police cars were outside last night, there were people rushing around the school and inside.'

A neighbour said: 'This is a sensitive time for the community, it's usually a busy area here but as you can see today- nothing.'

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: 'This is a truly shocking attack on school pupils and a member of staff.

'The council has been in touch with Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

'Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can. 

'We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Police on patrol were flagged down at 16:42hrs on Monday, 30 September 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.

'Victim one - a 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains in hospital.

'Victim two - a 27-year-old woman - whose condition is not life-threatening or life-changing. She has been discharged in from hospital.

'Victim three - A 14-year-old girl, whose injuries may potentially be life-changing. She remains in hospital.

'Tests of the substance are ongoing. At this stage officers believe it to be acidic.

'Urgent enquiries are under way to identify and arrest those responsible. A number of crime scenes are in place.

'Two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.'

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, have been urged to call call 101 quoting reference CAD 4987/30 Sept.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: 'Firefighters were mobilised to a chemical incident on Harrow Road in Westminster.

'Firefighters assisted emergency service colleagues and worked to make the scene safe. 

'Two teenagers and one adult woman sustained injuries from a substance which Metropolitan Police Services believe to be acidic and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

'The Brigade's 999 Control Officers were called about this incident at 16.50 and mobilised two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from North Kensington Fire Station, as well as specialist hazardous materials colleagues. 

'The incident was over for firefighters by 17.45.'