London acid attack suspect arrested after girl, 14, suffers life threatening injuries

Detectives investigating a suspected acid attack outside a school in Westminster, London, on September 30 have made an arrest, the Met Police said.

A manhunt was launched after a substance was allegedly thrown at two children, aged 16 and 14, and a staff member by a man who then fled the scene at approximately 4.40pm on Monday. The incident happened outside a school in Alfred Road, west London.

One of the victims of the suspected attack, a 14-year-old girl, was left in "shock, pain and trauma" following the incident, her father said. He added the girl suffered "severe injuries".

The arrest was made "in the early hours" of the morning of October 3, the Met Police said. The force announced on Thursday that a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and was taken to a central London police station. He remains in custody.

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, investigating the incident, said: "The investigation team has been working tirelessly to piece together the events in which two young victims, aged 16 and 14, were approached outside the school by a lone man who threw a substance at them before fleeing. We launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack. I am pleased to confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of this morning in connection with the incident."

Speaking about the victims of the alleged attack, he continued: "The 14-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and has returned to hospital having been briefly discharged by doctors. It may still be some time before we know the true extent of how serious her injuries are, but at this time they are being treated as potentially life-changing.

"The 16-year-old boy has now been discharged by the hospital and fortunately, his injuries are not as severe as the girl's. A member of staff from the school also sustained injuries as she rushed to the youngsters to provide first aid to them."

He added the Met Police are "aware" of concerns harboured by the local community and questions regarding the incident, saying the force are "working closely with our key partners to provide support and reassurance to those affected".

Police are to maintain a "visible presence" outside the school and will continue to work closely with the school and local authority.

Anyone with information about the incident or dashcam footage who has not yet come forward is being urged to call the investigations team on 020 7175 4652. People can also provide information and remain anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quoting CAD 4987/30SEP.