Stratford 'acid attack': Boy, 15, held by police after noxious substance thrown during brawl at shopping centre

A 15-year-old boy has been held by police after a suspected acid attack near a shopping centre in east London left six people injured.

Three victims were rushed to hospital after they were hit with the noxious substance when a fight broke out between two groups of males on Saturday night, police said.

Emergency services descended on the Stratford Centre, opposite Westfield Shopping centre, following reports of acid being sprayed over crowds.

A further three people were treated at the scene.

Horrified onlookers reported scenes of panic in the aftermath of the incident which was first feared to be a series of random attacks.

One witness described seeing a young man screaming in pain as his friends shouted "it is an acid attack, he is burning", while others rushed to wash the substance from their skin.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.