A 14-year-old girl was hospitalized with potentially life-changing injuries after a suspected acid attack at a London school on Monday afternoon, but police are searching for a “black male” in connection with the incident. announced.
Three people were injured in an attack with what police believe was an “acidic” substance at Westminster Academy in Paddington at around 4.40pm on Monday.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, a 14-year-old girl remains in hospital with life-changing injuries. Two other victims, a 16-year-old boy and a 27-year-old woman, were also injured during the attack, but fortunately their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-threatening.
The boy is still hospitalized, but the woman has already been discharged. Two police officers who attended the scene also complained of not feeling well and were hospitalized as a precaution.
Police said testing of the substance used in the attack was underway, but early indications led officers to believe it was “acidic” in nature.
Metropolitan Museum of Art said The suspect is described as a tall, slim black man, wearing dark clothing and wearing a mask or balaclava to conceal his face. The suspect allegedly fled the scene using an electric scooter.
Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis said: 'Officers were on routine patrol when this horrific incident was confirmed to have taken place.
“From investigations to date, it is believed that the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by the lone suspect, who threw drugs at them, before fleeing towards Harrow Road.”
“Staff members bravely and selflessly provided first aid to both victims, injuring themselves in the process. Fortunately, she has now been released from hospital.”
Mr Purvis added: “I know how deeply concerning this incident is for parents, pupils and the wider Westminster community. We are in close contact with the school and local authority. I can assure the public that a thorough investigation is well underway and our officers will not stop until the suspect is located and arrested.”
In a statement after the attack, the school's principal Numera Anwar said: said every daily mail: “One student, one teacher and one member of the public were injured in an incident involving an acidic corrosive substance on the main road outside the school building.
“This was a tragic incident that occurred after school as students and staff attempted to leave school grounds. We are providing support to the families and relatives of those involved.
“We are working with local authorities and will have counselors and other support available on site. The welfare of students at Westminster Academy has always been our priority and that remains the case. yeah.”
Mr Anwar said this was a “worrying time” for parents and the community, but urged everyone to avoid speculation as it “could be unhelpful and hinder the investigation.”
Schools remained closed Tuesday and students continued their classes online.
Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “This is a truly shocking attack on pupils and staff at the school. The council is in contact with Westminster Academy and is working with educational psychologists and others to help the children through this traumatic ordeal. We will provide all support and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
“Obviously this attack is disturbing for the entire Academy and the wider community and we will continue to work with police to provide reassurance and support in any way we can.
“We encourage anyone with information about what happened to contact police.”
A chemical attack in Clapham, south London, shocked the nation earlier this year. A woman and two young children were injured by a caustic alkaline substance, and the mother suffered life-altering injuries. Nine others were injured during the attack.
The perpetrator, Abdul Ezzedi, is an illegal immigrant from Afghanistan who was granted asylum in 2020 despite previously living in exile. convicted A man accused of sexual assault in the UK was found weeks later in the Thames after a suspected suicide.
