West London school staff member put herself in danger trying to help children in acid attack

The attack happened here at Westminster Academy
-Credit: (Image: Google)


A member of staff at a West London school put herself in danger in order to help two children attacked by acid yesterday, the Metropolitan Police have said.

A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were attacked after a man threw a substance at them while at Westminster Academy on Alfred Road in Notting Hill at around 4.40pm on Monday afternoon (September 30).

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In an update released on Tuesday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police have said that the third person injured in the attack was a 27-year-old woman, who rushed to give first aid to the two children. In doing this, she caused herself to be injured and was taken to hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: "From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road.

"A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. Fortunately she has now left hospital."

The two teenage victims remain in hospital. The girl's injuries are being treated as potentially life-changing. DCI Purvis added: "The two teenage victims – a girl and a boy - remain in hospital. For the 14-year-old girl we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are but at this time they are being treated as life-changing."

Two police officers also had to be taken to hospital as a precaution after they said they were not feeling well after attending the attack. They have now been discharged from hospital and are feeling well again, the police have confirmed in the update.

Description of the attacker released

The police are hunting for a tall, slim, Black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. He rode an e-scooter to and from the scene.

The substance thrown at the children is believed to be acidic, although tests continue to be carried out. No arrests have been made but crime scenes remain in place around Westminster Academy.

The school’s principal Numera Anwar said in a statement: “One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance. This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site.

“We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved. This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, should call 101 ref CAD 4987/30Sep. To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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