London 'acid attack': Nine people including mother and two young children rushed to hospital after 'corrosive substance' thrown in Clapham South amid manhunt for suspect
A mother and her two young children are among nine injured people rushed to hospital after a suspected acid attack in south London, police said.
Officers have launched an investigation after a suspected corrosive substance was thrown at the trio in Lessar Avenue, Clapham South.
The attacker fled the scene after the incident, with the Metropolitan Police now hunting for the attacker.
Three other people – all adults – were also rushed to hospitals after suffering injuries.
Another three police officers received medical attention after arriving on the scene, although their injuries were reportedly minor.
It is believed that all but the first three were injured 'accidentally' while rushing to the family's aid.
The attacker fled the scene after the incident, while Metropolitan Police began hunting for the attacker
Three other people – all adults – were also rushed to hospitals after suffering injuries, while it is believed they went to the family's aid.
A large police presence can be seen on the road, which is right next to Clapham Common. Fire trucks and ambulances are also on site.
Of the nine people treated by the London Ambulance Service, five were taken to a major trauma center and three to a local hospital. The ninth was fired on the spot.
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 terms.
“Three police officers were also taken to 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.”
Marina Ahmad, Labor Member of the London Assembly for Lambeth & Southwark, wrote on X: 'A road accident has occurred in which a man attacked the occupants of a car and threw acid. The victims include children.'
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 7.29pm today (31 January) to reports of an incident on Clapham Common South Side, SW4.
Officers have launched an investigation after a suspected corrosive substance was thrown at the trio in Lessar Avenue, Clapham South (pictured)
“We have deployed a number of resources to the scene, including two incident response officers, three paramedics and members of our Hazard Area Response Team (HART).
'We treated nine people, five of whom were taken to a major trauma centre. Three patients were taken to a local hospital and the other was discharged from the scene.”
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: 'Firefighters have been 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 staff.
'Crews also used specialist equipment to detect a corrosive substance believed to have been used in the incident.
'The brigade was called at 7.35 pm and the incident was over for the fire brigade at 9.21 pm. Two fire engines from Clapham and Battersea fire stations attended the scene.”
This is a breaking story. More to follow.