Westminster Academy Incident – A 14-year-old schoolgirl has suffered serious injuries after an acidic substance was thrown at her and another teenager outside Westminster Academy in Westbourne Park, west London.
The incident occurred after school hours on Monday afternoon, leaving the girl hospitalized with potentially life-changing injuries.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the two teens were approached by a male suspect who threw the substance at them before fleeing the scene on an e-scooter. The suspect is described as a tall, slim Black male, dressed in dark clothing, with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava.
A 16-year-old boy, not a pupil at Westminster Academy, was also injured in the attack and remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 27-year-old female staff member was also hurt while trying to assist the teens but has since been discharged from the hospital.
Additionally, two police officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution after reporting feeling unwell at the scene but have also been sent home.
London Fire Brigade, along with hazardous materials specialists, were deployed to secure the area. While tests on the substance are ongoing, police believe it to be acidic. The school is currently closed, with lessons moving online, and many staff working remotely.
An investigation is underway as authorities search for the attacker.