A mother and two young children were among nine injured people taken to hospital in a suspected acid attack in south London, police said.
Officers launched an investigation after a caustic substance was thrown at a group of people in Lesser Avenue, Clapham South.
The perpetrator fled the scene after the incident, and the Metropolitan Police Department is currently deploying a helicopter to assist in the investigation.
Three other people, all adults, were also taken to the hospital with injuries.
Three other police officers also received medical treatment after responding to the scene, but their injuries were said to be minor.
All but the first three are believed to have been injured “inadvertently” as they rushed to the aid of their families.
Pictures from the scene show a silver hatchback left with its door open on the street, where homes are on the market for up to £3 million.
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.
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.
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: “We were called at 7.29pm today (January 31) to reports of an incident in Clapham Common Southside, SW4.” Ta.
“We sent a number of personnel to the scene, including two incident response officers, three paramedics and members of the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
“We treated nine people, five of whom were taken to major trauma centers. Three patients were transported to local hospitals and one other was discharged at the scene.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lesser Avenue in Clapham this evening.”
“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 during the incident.
“The brigade was called in at 7:35 p.m. and firefighters brought the incident to a close by 9:21 p.m..”