Attacker threw girl to floor like doll before spraying her mother

AMANHUNT was under way today after a mother and her two daughters, aged three and eight, were doused with a corrosive substance in a "targeted" attack which saw 11 people taken to hospital.

- Anthony France, John Dunne

The "dangerous" suspect, who is believed to be known to the mother, fled after the attack in Lessar Avenue, near Clapham Common, south London, at about 7.25pm last night.

Police said the man attempted to make off in a car but collided with a stationary vehicle and fled on foot in the direction of the common. Passers-by rushed to help the 31-year-old mother who was shouting: "My eyes! My eyes! Help me! I can't see." They said they saw her lips turn black and skin strip off her face and raised fears she and the three-year-old may have suffered “life-changing” injuries.

Forensics teams at the scene could be seen inspecting a coffee cup which may have been used to throw the substance.