Man, 35, arrested after ‘acid attack’ outside school left pupils 14 & 16 and staff member, 27, in hospital
A MAN has been arrested after a teen girl was left with horror injuries in an alleged acid attack outside her school.
Cops launched a manhunt after the chilling attack outside the Westminster Academy in west London at 4.40pm on Monday.
A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were approached outside the school by a lone man who threw a substance at them before fleeing.
The girl suffered “potentially life-changing” injuries in the attack and has returned to hospital after she was briefly discharged by doctors.
A 35-year-old man was arrested this morning on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm following a manhunt.
He was taken to a central London police station and remains in custody.
The boy’s injuries were not as severe as the girl’s and he has now been discharged from hospital.
A brave member of staff from the school also suffered injuries as she rushed to help the youngsters.
Yesterday the girl’s dad said: “My beautiful daughter was the victim of a devastating acid attack outside the Westminster Academy school.
“Words cannot express the shock, pain, and trauma she is going through right now, both physically and emotionally.
“This senseless act of violence has left her with severe injuries that require urgent and long-term medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and mental health support.”
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware said: “The investigation team has been working tirelessly to piece together the events.
“Two young victims, aged 16 and 14, were approached outside the school by a lone man who threw a substance at them before fleeing.
“We launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack.
“I am pleased to confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of this morning in connection with the incident.
“The 14-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and has returned to hospital having been briefly discharged by doctors.
“It may still be some time before we know the true extent of how serious her injuries are.”
DS Ware added: “At this time they are being treated as potentially life-changing.
“The 16-year-old boy has now been discharged by the hospital and fortunately, his injuries are not as severe as the girl’s.
“A member of staff from the school also sustained injuries as she rushed to the youngsters to provide first aid to them.
“We are aware of the concerns raised by the community and questions being asked about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We have been working closely with our key partners to provide support and reassurance to those affected.
“We will maintain a visible policing presence outside the school and will continue to work closely with the school and local authority.”
DS Ware urged anyone with information to call cops on 020 7175 4652.
He appealed for anyone who was near Alfred Road or who has dashcam footage to come forward urgently.
To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting CAD 4987/30SEP.