Two teenagers were hospitalized following a suspected acid attack outside Westminster Academy in west London. The attack occurred on Monday afternoon as students and staff were leaving the school premises.
A 14-year-old girl sustained injuries that police describe as "potentially life-changing," while a 16-year-old boy also injured in the attack is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A third victim, a 27-year-old woman, was discharged from the hospital after suffering less severe injuries.
Numera Anwar, the principal of Westminster Academy, expressed deep concern for the victims and the broader community. She described the event as a “distressing incident” involving what appeared to be an “acid-like corrosive substance.” Anwar confirmed that the school was closed on Tuesday to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure safety measures are in place before reopening.
London police are conducting "urgent enquiries" to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. They have established multiple crime scenes and are testing the substance involved, which they currently believe to be acidic.
Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug called the attack "truly shocking" and vowed to work closely with the police to support the affected school and community. He emphasized the need for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This incident is part of a worrying trend in the UK, where the use of corrosive substances in assaults has spiked in recent years. London, in particular, has seen a rise in teenage violence, including knife crimes and shootings. In July, a 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in a park near the scene of Monday’s attack.
Two police officers who responded to the scene were also taken to the hospital as a precaution after feeling unwell, though their conditions were not serious.
The community remains on edge as authorities continue their investigation.
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