Witnesses say a thug yelled “I can see” before fleeing the scene after a mother and her two children were injured in a suspected acid attack.
Eight people were rushed to hospital, three of the nine injured, after the horror incident in south London, police said. These included heroic passers-by who rushed to the rescue of the family and police officers who responded to the attack.
Officers launched an investigation after a caustic substance was thrown at a group of people in Lesser Avenue, Clapham South.
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently conducting an investigation using a helicopter to track down the perpetrator.
A witness who tried to remove the chemical from the woman’s face told Sky News: “It was horrible.” First, a man grabbed his child, a 2-3 year old girl, from a white car. He threw her on her floor – twice! It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen.
The man then threw something at the woman. She was shouting “eyes!” my eyes! ‘
“Then I ran into the house, grabbed a water bottle and poured water into her eyes. Her lips were black. Her skin looked burnt.”
His partner, a woman in her 20s, added that she too had droplets of the substance on her and they both returned from hospital.
In addition to the family, three other people, all adults, were also injured and taken to the hospital.
Three additional police officers received medical treatment after responding to the scene, with only minor injuries.
All but the first three were said to have been injured “inadvertently” as they rushed to the aid of their families.
Pictures from the scene show a white Hyundai i20 hatchback left with its door open on the street, where homes are on the market for up to ÂŁ3 million.
The windshield of the affected car appears to have been shattered, and photos show a hat left nearby.
A forensic scientist was also seen closely examining a silver thermal carrying cup next to the bin.
Marina Ahmad, Labor London MP for Lambeth and Southwark, posted on X: “There was a road accident in which a man assaulted the occupants of a car and threw acid. Some of the victims were children.
Stretham MP Bel Ribeiro-Addy said he was “very concerned to hear of the reports of acid attacks”.
A large police presence can be seen on the road immediately adjacent to Clapham Common. Fire engines and ambulances were also called to the scene.
Of the nine people treated by London Ambulance Service, five were taken to major trauma centers and three to local hospitals. A ninth person was discharged from the hospital at the scene.
There is also a cordon around the nearby Clapham South Belvedere Hotel.
Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle said: “Officers are on scene following this horrific incident.”
“The three victims (one woman and two young children) were taken to hospital for treatment.
“We believe the other three people, all adults, came to our aid and were taken to hospital with injuries.” We will update as we learn more about their conditions.
“Three police officers were also taken to hospital after responding to the incident. Fortunately, we believe their injuries are minor.
“Testing is underway to determine what the substance is, but at this stage we believe it is a corrosive substance.”
“A man was seen fleeing the scene. We are using resources across the Met to apprehend this individual and work is underway to establish what led to this horrific incident.” It’s inside.
“The National Police Air Force is assisting us. Members of the public with information or materials are asked to call 999 immediately, reference number CAD 7790/31 January.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson added that two incident response officers, three paramedics and members of the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.
It came after police received a report of the incident just before 7:30 p.m.
They said: “We treated nine people, five of whom were taken to major trauma centres.” Three patients were transported to local hospitals and another was discharged at the scene.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said firefighters were called to Clapham South at 7.35pm and left the scene at 9.21pm.
They said: “Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lesser Street in Clapham tonight.”
“Working with our emergency services partners, crews provided emergency medical treatment to one woman and two children.
“A further five people were treated at the scene. They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
“Crews also used specialized equipment to detect corrosive materials believed to have been used in the incident.”