Emergencies
Attack with corrosive substance: Several injured in London
The police have cordoned off the crime scene. photo
© James Weech/PA Wire/dpa
In the British capital, several people are being treated because they came into contact with a chemical in an attack. Among them is a mother with two children.
In the event of an attack with a corrosive substance, A woman and her two children were injured in London. In addition, nine other people were injured, including passers-by who wanted to help the victims after the incident on Wednesday evening, the police announced on Thursday night.
A man fled the scene, the Metropolitan Police said. According to initial investigations, he knew the children’s mother. “Although this appears to be a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him,” said Superintendent Gabriel Cameron.
The mother, aged 31, and her two daughters aged eight and three are still in hospital. Three other women who bravely came to their aid left the clinic with minor chemical burns. Another helper and five police officers who were called were also slightly injured.
It’s supposed to be a lye
Investigators were called to the crime scene in the southern district of Clapham on Wednesday evening. Pictures showed an open car, the street was cordoned off. Police said they received a report that a man had thrown a child to the ground. In addition, a substance is said to have been thrown – investigators assume it is lye.
The mother and her younger daughter likely suffered “life-changing” injuries, police said. The background to the crime was unclear and no one was initially arrested. The man is said to have tried to escape in a car, caused an accident and then fled on foot. The police called on people with information to come forward.