Man arrested for suspected acid attack on two students outside a London school

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following a suspected acid attack outside a school in west London, according to the Metropolitan Police.

A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were injured when acid was thrown on them outside Westminster Academy on Monday afternoon.

The teens were hospitalized along with a staff member who was injured while trying to help them.

It is feared the girl could suffer life-changing injuries as a result of the attack. She returned to the hospital after being briefly released by doctors, police said.

The suspect, who was on a scooter and wearing a mask or other face covering, fled the scene on Harrow Road after the attack.

The boy was released from the hospital as police said his injuries were less serious than the girl’s.

The man was arrested on Thursday morning and remained in custody.

Corey McFarlane, the girl’s father, said The standard that she is in a stable condition following burns to the left side of her face, but she may suffer lifelong scars.

He said: “She is very traumatized by the attack.

“She is very scared because of her injuries. She is a young girl and these scars could last a lifetime. She is very concerned about this and has asked about it.”

Mr McFarlane said he lay at his daughter’s bedside in hospital and woke up every few hours to give her eye drops and apply paraffin to her face “to keep everything in place”.

He said: “I can’t explain what I’m going through. Words can’t explain it.”

He said his daughter now wanted to be educated at home instead of going to school The standard.

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is investigating the incident, said: “The investigation team has worked tirelessly to piece together the events in which two young victims, aged 16 and 14, were approached outside school by a lone male throwing a substance .” attack them before they escape.

“We have launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack. I am pleased to confirm that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident in the early hours of this morning.

“The 14-year-old girl suffered serious injuries and returned to hospital after being briefly discharged by doctors.

“It may be some time before we know the true extent of her injuries but they are currently being treated as potentially life-changing.

“The 16-year-old boy has now been discharged from hospital and fortunately his injuries are not as serious as the girl’s.

“A school staff member also sustained injuries when she rushed to the youngsters to provide them with first aid.”

The school was closed on Tuesday, but classes were held online. It opened as usual on Wednesday, but police were patrolling the area.

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