Girl suffers serious injury in acid attack outside a school

Teacher also hurt trying to help as suspect fled on e-scooter

- BARNEY DAVIS

A 14-year-old schoolgirl suffered potentially life-changing injuries and two others were hurt in a suspected acid attack.

Police have launched a manhunt after the people, including a teacher, were wounded in the attack outside Westminster Academy in central London at 4.45pm on Monday. Two police officers, who were among the first to the scene, were also taken to hospital after saying they felt unwell.

A 27-year-old woman, believed to be a teacher who helped the victim, has since been discharged, while a schoolboy, 16, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, remains in hospital. Police are hunting a suspect described as a tall, slim, Black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. He fled the scene on an escooter. The academy was shut yesterday morning with police patrolling outside. Staff were seen through the windows conducting meetings inside.

A pharmacist who works nearby said: "We saw police rushing to the scene. Then lots of people running away from where it happened. They were all gathering by the school entrance after. It is so sad. We thought it was a stabbing then we heard it was an acid attack. You need to put cold water on as soon as possible when that happens. It is horrific."

Another parent living in a home overlooking the scene said: "I saw so many ambulances, fire brigade, everything. I go to church and pray for my kids every day even when they go to school."

DCI Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: "Officers were on routine patrol when they were flagged down to this terrible incident. From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road.