In a shocking incident in south London’s Clapham on Wednesday, a mysterious and suspected corrosive substance was thrown at a mother and her two girls, resulting in injuries to as many as nine people. The family, inside their car on Lessar Avenue, fell victim to the attack around 7:30 pm local time. Apart from the family, three members of the public and three police officers, who arrived to assist, also suffered injuries, marking the event as a “chemical incident,” according to the fire brigade. Five of the individuals involved were subsequently taken to the hospital.
Investigation and Substances Tests Underway
Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle, leading the investigation, stated that tests were ongoing to identify the nature of the substance used in the attack. While the specific substance is yet to be determined, it is clear at this stage that a corrosive material was employed.
“A total of five additional individuals were treated at the scene and transported to the hospital by London ambulance service crews. Specialist equipment was used by the crews to detect the corrosive substance believed to have been used in the incident,” reported a spokesperson from the fire brigade.
Eyewitness Account of the Disturbing Incident
According to an eyewitness, the incident began with a confrontation between an unidentified man and the family, escalating into the use of a corrosive substance.
The eyewitness shared, “There was a man in a white car with two children. It looked like he tried to run over a woman. They had been fighting. One girl in the back had her hand on the window – you can see the mark on the car. He grabbed one of the two children and violently grabbed them and slammed them on the floor. The lady then shouted ‘My eyes! My eyes! Call the police, my eyes!'”
Public Figures Validate Eyewitness Account
Marina Ahmad, Labour’s London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, affirmed the eyewitness account on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that a man assaulted the car’s occupants.
She reported, “There has been a traffic collision with a man assaulting occupants in a car and throwing acid. Victims include children.”
Ongoing Investigation with No Arrests Yet
As of now, the police have not made any arrests in connection with the incident. The investigation is actively underway, and authorities have assured that updates on the case will be provided soon. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the victims and the need for swift action in identifying and apprehending the suspect responsible for this alarming act of violence.
