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


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

A search for the attacker is now under way after the horror incident at the Westminster Academy in Paddington after a suspected acidic substance was thrown at pupils and a staff member 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.

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.”

In a statement on the school’s website, Westminster Academy said the site was closed on Tuesday due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

“Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teachers,” a school spokesperson said.

A Year Six open morning which had been due to take place on Tuesday will also be rescheduled.

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.”

https://uk.yahoo.com/news/acid-attac...073057057.html