14-Year-Old Girl Left with Life-Changing Injuries in Acid Attack Outside London School
A 14-year-old girl has sustained potentially life-changing injuries, and a 16-year-old boy is also in hospital, after a man threw a suspected acidic substance at them outside Westminster Academy in west London. Police are now searching for the attacker, who fled the scene on an e-scooter.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon outside the school on Alfred Road. According to Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, the attacker approached the two teenagers before launching the attack and escaping down Harrow Road.
The suspect is described as a "tall, slim, black male, wearing dark clothing" with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information.
DCI Purvis praised a 27-year-old school staff member who immediately rushed to help the victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. She has since been discharged from the hospital, while the two teenagers remain hospitalized. The extent of the girl's injuries is yet to be fully determined, but authorities are treating them as life-changing.
On Tuesday, a police officer was stationed outside the academy, which was closed for the day. A local shopworker described hearing sirens and witnessing a "big kerfuffle" following the attack, stating, "This school usually has everything under control... yesterday was just out of the blue."
Westminster Academy's principal, Numera Anwar, expressed her distress over the incident, stating, "This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours... we are offering support to families and relatives of all involved." The school will resume normal operations on Wednesday with additional safety measures in place.
Police officers who were flagged down shortly after the attack also sought medical attention after feeling unwell but have since been discharged. Investigators are conducting tests on the substance, which is believed to be acidic. No arrests have been made, and several crime scenes remain under investigation.
Westminster city council leader Adam Hug condemned the attack as "truly shocking," offering support to the school and community. He added that the council would provide educational psychologists to help students cope with the traumatic event.
Police are urging anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference CAD 4987/30 Sept. Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.