Manhunt underway for masked acid attacker who fled scene on e-scooter as two student victims remain in hospital
1 October 2024, 14:17 | Updated: 1 October 2024, 14:45
A manhunt is underway for a 'lone suspect' alleged to have thrown acid over students and a teacher outside a west London school.
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Police released a description of the suspect following the alleged assault that took place outside Westminster Academy, a senior school in Paddington, on Monday afternoon.
The alleged attacker was described as "a tall, slim, Black male" who wore dark clothing. Police said his face was obscured and possibly covered by a mask or balaclava.
The suspect swiftly fled the scene on Alfred Road on an e-scooter, officers said. Police continue their search for the man.
A 14-year-old girl was left with potentially life-changing injuries after the suspected acid attack. A boy aged 16 and a 27-year-old woman were also injured.
Police believe the teenagers were initially approached by the lone suspect and the 27-year-old member of staff was left injured after she rushed to help.
Officers on patrol were flagged down by school staff following the incident in Alfred Road, Westbourne Park, shortly after 4.40pm.
Both teenagers remain in hospital, with the boy’s injuries described as not life-threatening or life-changing. The woman has since been discharged.
Scotland Yard said 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.
"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."
Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward. The area at the time was described as busy with people and cars.
Westminster Academy remained closed on Tuesday, with lessons taking place online, according to a statement on its website.
The school’s principal, Numera Anwar, said in a statement: “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."
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."
