Police officers victim of alkaline attack in incident that closed Surbiton station for hours

Two teenagers have been arrested after a suspected alkaline attack left two police officers in hospital and closed a busy railway station for hours.

Officers from British Transport Police were at Surbiton station at around 4.20pm on Friday afternoon (November 29) when the incident occurred.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "Officers from British Transport Police were at Surbiton railway station today (Friday) at around 4.20pm when they spotted two people acting suspiciously. As officers engaged with the people, they were exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline.

READ MORE: Surrey gardens flooded with sewage for second time as treatment plant overspill leaves 'boggy' smell

READ MORE: Investigation into 'distressing' incident where cow repeatedly hit by Surrey Police car concluded

"Two officers were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life changing or life threatening. Seven other officers, including two officers from the Metropolitan Police were checked at the scene by paramedics. Two boys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. The 16-year-old has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection and enquiries are ongoing. The station was closed while the London Fire Brigade made the area safe, but has since been reopened."

The incident lead to major disruption on the trains in Surrey with multiple services being delayed or cancelled and services running straight through Surbiton.

During the incident a South Western Railway spokesperson said: "Due to the police dealing with an incident at Surbiton train services running through this station will be revised. Surbiton station will not be served."

Services eventually resumed at the station at around 8.20pm.