Man, 35, arrested after girl seriously injured in ‘acid attack’ outside school | UK News

The “corrosive” substance was allegedly thrown at students outside Westminster Academy on Monday afternoon.

A 16-year-old boy was also injured in the attack, but has since been released from hospital.

A school employee who was injured while “courageously and selflessly rushing to provide first aid” was also released.

The man, aged 35, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury.

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, investigating the incident, said: “The investigation team has worked tirelessly to piece together the events in which two young victims, aged 16 and 14, were approached at the outside the school by a lone man who threw a substance at them. before fleeing.

“We have launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack. I am pleased to confirm that a man was arrested early this morning in connection with the incident.

“The 14-year-old girl was seriously injured and returned to hospital after being briefly released by medics. It may be some time before we know the true extent of the severity of her injuries, but at present, they are considered potentially life-changing.

“The 16-year-old boy has now been released from hospital and fortunately his injuries are not as serious as those of the girl.

“A member of school staff was also injured as she rushed to the young people to provide first aid.”

School principal Numera Anwar said: “A student, a teacher and a member of the public were injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving a corrosive substance acid.

“This was a distressing incident which occurred after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school. We offer support to the families and loved ones of everyone involved.

“This is a difficult time for our community and I have taken the decision to close the school today to allow a thorough investigation and ensure that school can resume as normal from tomorrow with all safety measures in place. place.”

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “This is a truly shocking attack on pupils and a member of staff.

“The council has been in contact with Westminster Academy and we will provide school psychologists and other support to help the children through this traumatic ordeal.” Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

“Clearly this attack will be destabilizing for the whole academy and wider community, and we will work with the police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can.” We are appealing to anyone with information about what happened to contact police.