Mother shouted 'my eyes, police' after she and her two children were injured in an 'acid attack' in Clapham as police hunt for fugitive man
A mother screamed “my eyes, police” after she and her two children were injured in a horror acid attack, witnesses claim.
Firefighters and police rushed to Clapham, South London at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday evening after nine people were injured.
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The family came into contact with a 'corrosive substance' – feared to be acid – and were rushed to hospital. Police met said.
Three bystanders who tried to help the mother and her children were also injured, along with three officers.
It is understood the attack followed a car accident.
A witness, who did not want to be named, told how the mother and children had been sitting in a white car with a man before the pair got out and started fighting in the street.
The man then returned to the car “and tried to run over the woman.”
She said: “A little girl knocked on the door on the father's side, the lady was crying and shouting 'my eyes, police'.”
“He opened the door, took the baby out and hit her on the ground twice, I'm talking a loud bang.”
It is unclear when the “corrosive substance” was used.
Another bystander rushed to help the mother.
He said: “The mother was on the ground so it was clear people came out and tried to comfort and calm her down.
“But as far as moving her, she was in pain, so every time we moved her she would cry.”
An urgent hunt has been launched for a man who fled the scene shortly after the attack.
A nearby hotel, the Clapham South Belvedere, has also been cordoned off.
Tonight an MP claimed the attack took place after a car crash on Lessar Avenue.
Footage from the scene shows police cars and fire engines driving down the street, which remained cordoned off in the hours after the alleged attack.
Work MP Marina Ahmad wrote online: “A road accident has occurred in which a man attacked the occupants of a car and threw acid.
The victims include children. 7.25pm Lessar Avenue, Clapham Common South Side, SW4.
“If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The London Fire Brigade said many of the injured were rushed to hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Alexander Castle said: “Officers are at the scene following this horrific incident.
“Three victims – a woman and her two young children – were taken to hospital for treatment.
“Three other people – all adults – have been taken to hospital because we believe they suffered injuries while coming to their aid.
“We will update as soon as we know more about their circumstances.
“Three Police Officers were also taken to the hospital after responding to the incident. Fortunately, we assume that their injuries are not too bad.
“While testing is underway to determine what the substance is, at this stage we believe it is a corrosive substance.
“A man was seen fleeing the scene. We are drawing on resources from across the Met to arrest this individual and work is underway to determine what led to this terrible incident.
“The National Police Air Service is assisting us. Any members of the public who can assist us with information or material should immediately call 999 ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.”
As of 10 p.m., police said no arrests had been made.
The London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lessar Avenue in Clapham this evening.
“Working with emergency services, crews provided immediate emergency assistance to a woman and two children.
“Five other people were also treated at the scene. They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
“Crews also used specialist equipment to detect a corrosive substance believed to have been used in the incident.”
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