Footage shows chemical attack unfolding in Clapham

Video footage has emerged that appears to show the moment a man drove a car into a woman before throwing a child to the ground in Clapham, south-west London, where police are investigating a suspected chemical attack.

Sky News has obtained CCTV footage that captures a man running around a car before getting into the driver’s seat, with a woman and child standing in front of the vehicle holding their hands up. 

The man then drives the car into the woman and strikes her. The footage shows the man getting out of the car and opening the back door before appearing to remove a child, who is thrown to the ground.

Video also shows people leaving neighbouring homes to chase the man down the road.

Police launched a manhunt on Wednesday evening after nine people were injured in the incident.

A 31-year-old woman and her two daughters, aged eight and three, remain in hospital, with injuries to the woman and younger child potentially life-changing.

Three women, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, who came to the aid of the family have since been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries.

A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries, while five police officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and left hospital.

The substance thrown as part of the attack is now known to be alkaline, the Metropolitan Police said.