The father of a 14-year-old girl who was the victim of an alleged acid attack outside a west London school said his daughter had been exposed to “shock, pain and trauma” and was left with “serious injuries”.
Police are continuing to search for a man who threw a substance believed to be acid at a girl and a 16-year-old boy outside a west London school on Monday.
Officers are searching for a male suspect who is believed to have been riding an electric scooter to and from Westminster Academy, west London, with his face covered when he launched the attack on Monday afternoon. Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Westminster Academy said the injured boy was a civilian and not a student.
The suspect is described as a “tall, slim black male, wearing dark clothing, with his face possibly obscured by a mask or balaclava.”
Corey McFarlane said Wednesday that words cannot describe the “shock, pain and trauma” his teenage daughter is experiencing “physically and emotionally.”
Cory McFarlane wrote on an online fundraising page that while her daughter is a “warrior”, “now more than ever she needs the support of the community.”
It added: “This senseless act of violence left her with serious injuries requiring immediate and long-term treatment, surgery, rehabilitation and mental health support.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward and said: “We deeply appreciate all the support we can receive from the community to help spread awareness, gather information and assist in the investigation.”
On Monday, DCI Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said initial inquiries showed the two young victims were in Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone man, who threw drugs at them before fleeing to Harrow Road. was suggested.
It added: “Staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, injuring themselves in the process.” The 27-year-old woman has since been discharged from the hospital.
“The two teenage victims (a girl and a boy) remain in hospital. In the case of a 14-year-old girl, we may not know for some time how serious her injuries are. However, at this time Now, they’re treated as life-changing.”
Schools were closed on Tuesday, with classes being held online and many staff working from home, with one police officer guarding the entrance. Schools opened as usual Wednesday, but staff were told to expect police presence.
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One local store employee, who did not wish to be named, said he heard sirens and “commotion” outside in the aftermath of the incident.
“Everything is usually under control at this school. You don't see any fights outside,” he said. “I've never seen anything like this. Yesterday was really sudden.”
The school's principal, Numera Anwar, said: “This was a distressing incident that occurred after school as students and staff attempted to leave the school premises.” We are providing support to the families and relatives of those involved.
“These are difficult times for our community and the decision to close schools today to allow for a thorough investigation and ensure that schools can reopen as normal tomorrow with all safety measures in place. ”
Police said anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help should call 101 (CAD 4987/30 September). If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
