A 35-year-old man was arrested by UK police on Thursday in connection with a suspected acid attack outside Westminster Academy in west London that left two teenagers hospitalized, one with potentially life-changing injuries. The attack occurred on Monday afternoon when a substance was thrown at students and a staff member.
The arrested man is being held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, according to the Metropolitan Police. Detective Superintendent Scott Ware stated that the investigation revealed that a lone man approached the victims—two teenagers, aged 14 and 16—outside the school and fled after throwing the substance. The 14-year-old girl suffered serious injuries, which may be life-altering. The 16-year-old boy and a 27-year-old woman were treated and discharged from the hospital, with their injuries not considered life-threatening.
Westminster Academy’s principal, Numera Anwar, expressed deep concern over the “distressing incident,” confirming that a student, teacher, and a member of the public were injured by the “acid-like corrosive substance” outside the school.
The UK has seen a resurgence in acid attacks after a decline following a spike in the mid-2010s. This year, the issue gained renewed attention after a similar attack on a woman and her two daughters in London.