A 14-year-old student suffers life-changing injuries in an acid attack outside Westminster Academy

A 14-year-old student suffered potentially life-changing injuries and two others were injured in a suspected acid attack.

Police have launched a manhunt after people, including a teacher, were injured in the attack outside Westminster Academy in central London at 4.45pm on Monday.

Two police officers who were among the first on the scene were also taken to hospital after saying they felt unwell.

A 27-year-old woman, believed to be a teacher, has now been released, while a 16-year-old student, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, remains in hospital.

The academy is closed on Tuesday morning and police are patrolling outside. Through the windows you can see the employees holding meetings inside.

A pharmacist nearby said: “We saw police rushing to the scene. Then many people fled from where it happened. Afterwards they all gathered at the school entrance. It’s so sad. We thought it was a stabbing, then we heard it was an acid attack.

“If that happens, you need to put cold water on as quickly as possible. It’s terrible.”

Another parent, who lived in a house overlooking the scene, said: “I saw so many ambulances and fire engines. I go to church every day and pray for my children, even when they go to school.”

A Met spokesman said: “Police patrols were flagged down by staff at a school in Alfred Road W2 at 4.42pm on Monday September 30 after a substance was allegedly thrown at pupils and a member of staff.”

“Officers responded with paramedics and London Fire Brigade and found three people injured.

“A 16-year-old boy whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-altering. He remains in the hospital.

“A 27-year-old woman, whose condition is not life-threatening or life-altering, has been discharged from hospital. A 14-year-old girl whose injuries could potentially be life-changing. She remains in the hospital.”

Scotland Yard said testing of the substance was ongoing, adding: “At this stage officers believe it is acidic.” Urgent investigations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.

“A number of crime scenes are present.”

Headteacher Numera Anwar said: “This was a disturbing incident which occurred after school hours as pupils and staff were leaving the school premises. She added: “We are offering support to the families and loved ones of everyone involved. “This is a difficult time for our community and today I have made the decision to close the school. “We are working with the local authority and will have advisers and other support on site.

She said she plans to reopen the school tomorrow. Westminster City Council leader Cllr Adam Hug described the attack as “truly shocking”.

“The council has contacted Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children cope with this traumatic ordeal,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected.

“It is clear that this attack will be distressing for the entire academy and the wider community and we will work with police to provide reassurance and any support possible. We would urge anyone with information about the incident to contact police.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help police should call 101, Ref CAD 4987/30. September, call.

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