Two schoolchildren and a teacher have been hospitalised following an acid attack in a school in west London.
A substance – believed to be acidic – was launched at the two teenagers and a member of staff at Westminster Academy in Paddington at around 4.40pm yesterday.
There is currently a hunt underway for the assailant, after police who were on patrol found three people injured at the school.
A 14-year-old girl is currently hospitalised with potentially life-changing injuries, while a schoolboy, 16, has non life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
A 27-year-old woman was also rushed to hospital after the ‘acid attack’ but was later discharged.
Two officers were also hospitalised ‘as a precaution’ after reportedly feeling sick.
Pictured: Westminster Academy
Westminser Academy have announced their temporary closure for today, following the incident.
A message on their site read: ‘Due to unforeseen circumstances the WA school site will be closed on Tuesday 1st October.
‘Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teacher.
‘The Year 6 Open Morning scheduled for 1st October is being rescheduled for Tuesday 8th October. We apologised for any inconvenience.
‘Thank you for your understanding.’
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson 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.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.