Westminster Academy acid attack: Girl, 14, and boy, 16, in hospital after 'acidic substance' thrown outside school

An acid attack at a school in west London has left two teenagers and a staff member in hospital.

A search for the attacker is now under way after Monday’s horror incident at the Westminster Academy in Paddington when a suspected acidic substance was thrown outside the main school building at around 4.40pm.

Police on patrol were flagged down by staff at the academy, who found three people injured.

One of those, a 14-year-old girl, remains in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries.

A 16-year-old boy was also hospitalised, with a police spokesperson saying his injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing.

A 27-year-old woman was also rushed to hospital for treatment after the attack but has since been discharged.

A pupil at the school was affected, alongside a member of staff and a member of the public, the school said in a statement.

Two police officers were also taken to hospital “as a precaution” after they reported feeling unwell.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: “Tests of the substance are ongoing. At this stage officers believe it to be acidic.

“Urgent enquiries are under way to identify and arrest those responsible.

“A number of crime scenes are in place.”

The school was closed on Tuesday with lessons moved online as police carried out their investigations.

In a statement, school principal Numera Anwar said the “distressing” attack took place outside the main school building after hours as staff and pupils left for the day.

“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,” she said.

“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.

“We are working with the local authority and will have counsellors and other support available onsite. The welfare of the students at Westminster Academy is always our priority and that continues to remain the case.

“This will clearly be an unsettling time for the wider community and parents. While police lead the investigation into this incident I would urge everyone to avoid speculation as this will not be helpful and may compromise the investigation. Our focus remains on our students and staff members and that is what we are concentrating on.”

The school is a non-selective academy for pupils aged 11 to 18 and is sponsored by The Exilarch's Foundation, which is headed by entrepreneur David Dangoor CBE.

A local resident said he was in a cafe opposite the school when police cars and ambulances screeched up to aid the injured and hunt the attacker.

The man, 38, who works in construction, said: “There were cops everywhere and real panic. There was a crime scene tent they set up just outside the school. It was full on.”

Another witness said: “There was a kid crying nearby. She looked really upset. I don’t know whether it was her friend injured but it was all very upsetting. Police were here really quickly - I just hope the people are all okay.”

Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug, described the attack as “truly shocking”.

"The Council has been in touch with Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

"Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole Academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can. We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, is being asked to call 101 ref CAD 4987/30 Sept.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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