Manhunt underway for masked acid attacker who fled scene on e-scooter as two student victims remain in hospital

1 October 2024, 14:17 | Updated: 1 October 2024, 14:45

The attack took place outside Westminster Academy on Alfred Road, west London
The attack took place outside Westminster Academy on Alfred Road, west London. Picture: Alamy

By Christian Oliver

A manhunt is underway for a 'lone suspect' alleged to have thrown acid over students and a teacher outside a west London school.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Police released a description of the suspect following the alleged assault that took place outside Westminster Academy, a senior school in Paddington, on Monday afternoon.

The alleged attacker was described as "a tall, slim, Black male" who wore dark clothing. Police said his face was obscured and possibly covered by a mask or balaclava.

The suspect swiftly fled the scene on Alfred Road on an e-scooter, officers said. Police continue their search for the man.

A 14-year-old girl was left with potentially life-changing injuries after the suspected acid attack. A boy aged 16 and a 27-year-old woman were also injured.

Westminster Academy, in Paddington, west London
Westminster Academy, in Paddington, west London. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Manhunt underway for masked acid attacker who fled scene on e-scooter as two student victims remain in hospital

Read More: Pictured: 'Talented little guy' Jay Cartmell, eight, who died from gunshot on farm - as football club pays tribute

Police believe the teenagers were initially approached by the lone suspect and the 27-year-old member of staff was left injured after she rushed to help.

Officers on patrol were flagged down by school staff following the incident in Alfred Road, Westbourne Park, shortly after 4.40pm.

Both teenagers remain in hospital, with the boy’s injuries described as not life-threatening or life-changing. The woman has since been discharged.

Scotland Yard said two officers were also taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: "Officers were on routine patrol when they were flagged down to this terrible incident.

"From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road.

"A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. Fortunately she has now left hospital.

"For the 14-year-old girl we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are but at this time they are being treated as life-changing.

"I know how incredibly concerning this incident is to parents and pupils and the wider Westminster community. We are in close contact with the school and local authority, and I can assure people that a thorough investigation is well under way, and that my officers will not stop until the suspect is found and arrested."

Scotland Yard said two officers were also taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.
Scotland Yard said two officers were also taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell. Picture: Alamy

Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward. The area at the time was described as busy with people and cars.

Westminster Academy remained closed on Tuesday, with lessons taking place online, according to a statement on its website.

The school’s principal, Numera Anwar, said in a statement: “One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance.

"This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site.

"We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved. This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place."

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: "This is a truly shocking attack on school pupils and a member of staff.

"The council has been in touch with Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

"Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can. We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Joanne Penney, 40.

Five charged and one arrested after fatal shooting of 'deeply loved' mother

Ozdemir Zia hit Edna McLean as he turned his double-decker near Woolwich Arsenal station, London.

Bus driver avoids jail after killing 83-year-old pensioner in 'momentary error'

Front facade of a pretty country cottage, Netherbury, Dorset, UK - John Gollop

Met Police suggest planting roses in your garden could deter would-be burglars

March 11, 2025, London, England, UK: Actor, director and writer NOEL CLARKE arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice for his libel case against The Guardian over articles on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Actress said to have been groped by actor Noel Clarke tells court 'it is a lie'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months

The body of 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen was discovered in a basement in Great Portland Street, London, in 2008

On-the-run suspect urged to hand himself in 17 years on from murder and rape of student found dead in basement

Pint of Guinness in front of different ale and beer pumps, The Merchant's Arch Bar & Restaurant, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Guinness pint prices could soar to more than £6 due to Trump’s tariff war

Vladimir Putin must stop playing games with a ceasefire and come to the table, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he convenes world leaders to discuss peacekeeping in Ukraine

Starmer to host Ukraine peace summit - as he warns Putin to 'stop playing games' with ceasefire and come to table

Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department

Trump insists peace talks with Russia are going 'really well' despite Putin being accused of 'delaying tactics'

The MV Stena Immaculate tanker after it was hit by the MV Solong container vessel in the North Sea

Captain of container ship Solong which crashed into US oil tanker charged with gross negligence manslaughter

Faiz Shah, 23, Mohammad Comrie, 23, and Elijah Ogunnubi-Sime

Three men jailed after Jewish-Israeli music producer lured to house, beaten and handcuffed to radiator in extortion plot

ITV Palooza 2022 – VIP Access

Working-class people are being 'left behind' in TV roles, claims presenter Lorraine Kelly

Mark Carney

'It's crazy': Mark Carney says Canada will 'never be 51st US state', as he is sworn in as PM after Trump threats

Mohamed Amersi hopes Reform UK and the Conservatives will merge into one party

Tory party donor calls for Reform UK and Conservatives to merge

David Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley (right) was heard screaming and crying outside her mother's home

David Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley breaks silence after mother Pamela Bach found dead aged 61