LONDON – A mother screamed ‘my eyes’ after she and her two children were injured in a suspected acid attack before the thug fled the scene, witnesses say.
The three victims were among nine people injured, with eight needing hospital treatment, after the horror incident in south London, police said. Those hurt included hero passers-by who rushed to the family’s aid and police officers responding to the attack.
Officers have launched an investigation after a suspected corrosive substance was thrown at the trio in Lessar Avenue, Clapham South.
Manhunt Continues
And the Met Police are now engaging in a manhunt, using a helicopter in their pursuit of the attacker. Forensics teams at the scene could be seen inspecting a coffee cup which may have been used to throw the acid.
Statement From Witnesses
A witness who said he had tried to clean the chemical from the woman’s face told Sky News: ‘It was horrific. First a man grabbed his kid – a girl aged two or three from a white car. He threw her onto the floor – twice! It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen.
‘The man then threw something at the woman. She was screaming, ‘My eyes! My eyes!’
‘I then ran into my house, grabbed a water bottle and threw water on her eyes. Her lips were black. Her skin looked burnt.’
His partner, a woman in her 20s, added that they had both come back from hospital after drops of the substance also got on her.
Beside the family three other people – who are all adults – were also rushed to hospitals after sustaining injuries.
A further three police officers received medical attention after responding to the scene, although their injuries were said to be minor.
All but the first three were said to have been ‘inadvertently’ injured while rushing to the family’s aid.
Crime Scene
Photos from the scene show an abandoned white Hyundai i20 hatchback abandoned with its doors open on the street where homes sell for as much as £3million.
The stricken car appears to have a shattered windscreen and pictures show an abandoned hat lying close by.
Forensics were also seen closely examining a silver thermal carry-cup, which was located next to a bin.
Number of Victims
Of the nine people treated by the London Ambulance Service, five were taken to a major trauma centre and three were taken to a local hospital. The ninth was discharged at the scene.
There is also a cordon surrounding the nearby Clapham South Belvedere hotel.
Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle said: ‘Officers are on scene following this horrific incident.
‘Three victims – a woman and her two young children – have been taken to hospital for treatment.
‘Three other people – all adults – have been taken to hospital for injuries sustained, we believe, as they came to their aid. We will update as soon as we know more about their conditions.
‘Three police officers have also been taken to hospital after they responded to the incident. Thankfully we believe their injuries to be minor.
‘While tests are ongoing to determine what the substance is, at this stage we believe it to be a corrosive substance.’
