A mother and her two young children have been rushed to hospital after a suspected acid attack in 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 Metropolitan Police hunting the assailant.
Three other people – who are all adults – have also been rushed to hospitals after sustaining injuries while it is believed they were rushing to the family’s aid.
And three police officers are also receiving medical attention after responding to the scene, although their injuries are said to be minor.
A large police presence can be seen on the road, which sits directly next to Clapham Common. Fire engines and ambulances are also on the scene.
Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle said: ‘Officers are on scene following this horrific incident.
The attacker fled the scene after the incident, with Metropolitan Police hunting the assailant
Officers have launched an investigation after a suspected corrosive substance was thrown at the trio in Lessar Avenue, Clapham South (pictured)
‘Three victims – a woman and her two young children – have been taken to hospital for treatment.
‘Three other people – all adults – have been taken to hospital for injuries sustained, we believe, as they came to their aid. We will update as soon as we know more about their conditions.
‘Three police officers have also been taken to hospital after they responded to the incident. Thankfully we believe their injuries to be minor.
‘While tests are ongoing to determine what the substance is, at this stage we believe it to be a corrosive substance.
‘A man was seen fleeing the scene. We are drawing on resources from across the Met to apprehend this individual and work is ongoing to determine what has led to this awful incident.
‘The National Police Air Service are assisting us. Any members of the public who can help us with information or material should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.’
Marina Ahmad, Labour’s London Assembly member for Lambeth & Southwark, posted on X: ‘There has been a traffic collision with a man assaulting occupants in a car and throwing acid. Victims include children.’
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called today (31 January) at 7:29pm to reports of an incident on Clapham Common South Side, SW4.
‘We sent a number of resources to the scene, including two incident response officers, three ambulance crews, and members of our hazardous 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 at the scene.’
This is a breaking story. More to follow.
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