A suspected acid attack has left a teenager with “life changing injuries” at a school in central London.
Police received reports that an “acidic” substance was allegedly hurled at students and a staff member at the Westminster Academy in central London.
A 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and a 27-year-old woman were reportedly injured during the attack which took place on Monday.
BBC News reports the Metropolitan Police officers were flagged down by a member of staff after the incident at the school on Alfred Road, Westbourne Park, at about 4.40pm on Monday. Two police officers were taken to hospital as a precaution following reports that they were feeling unwell.
Westminster Academy in central London
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A message on the school’s website said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the WA school site will be closed on Tuesday, October 1.
Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teachers.
“The Year 6 Open Morning scheduled for October 1 is being rescheduled for Tuesday, October 8.
“We apologise for any inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.”
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Westminster Academy
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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.”
The school is a non-selective academy for pupils aged 11 to 18 and is sponsored by The Exilarch’s Foundation, which is headed by entrepreneur David Dangoor CBE, reports The Standard.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, is being asked to call 101 ref CAD 4987/30 Sept.
GB News has approached the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the school for a comment.