Man, 35, is arrested after 'acid attack' that hospitalised two pupils

A 35-year-old man has been arrested after a 14-year-old girl was left with potentially life-changing injuries in a suspected acid attack in central London.

The Metropolitan Police says it has arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident on Monday afternoon. 

Emergency services were flagged down close to Westminster Academy on Alfred Road in the capital at around 4.40pm after a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were allegedly attacked with a corrosive substance.

Teagan McFarlane, the young pupil injured in the attack, underwent surgery for her injuries this morning. Her father has issued an update on her condition, advising that it is 'early days' for her recovery.

The school has sought to reassure parents by laying on extra security and holding a coffee morning to discuss the incident.

A 27-year-old woman who worked at the school as a teacher was also allegedly injured after she ran to the teenage victims' aid. She has been discharged from hospital.

Detectives swooped on the suspect on Thursday morning and placed him under arrest. He was taken to a central London police station, where he remains in custody. 

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, investigating the incident, said officers had been 'tirelessly' piecing together the sequence of events that led to a man throwing a substance at them before fleeing the scene.

He added: 'We launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack. I am pleased to confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of this morning in connection with the incident.

'The 14-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and has returned to hospital having been briefly discharged by doctors.

'It may still be some time before we know the true extent of how serious her injuries are, but at this time they are being treated as potentially life-changing.'

Teagan underwent surgery for her injuries this morning, according to an update shared by her father online.

Corey McFarlane, who launched a fundraiser to help support his daughter's withdrawal from the school system and relocation in the wake of the attack, said that her injuries were not life-threatening.

'Thank you to everyone for your support and love,' he said in an update posted on the GoFundMe page.

'We’re grateful that Teagan’s injuries are not life-threatening at this time, but it’s still early days, and she will need plenty of rest after her morning in surgery.

'If anyone has any information related to the case, please contact the Metropolitan Police. Your help is greatly appreciated.'

Mr McFarlane, who spent last night applying paraffin to his daughter's face in hospital, said she does not want to return to school and has been 'deeply affected mentally' by the ordeal. 

He told The Times: 'The hospital is a safe space for Teagan. She is getting all the help she needs and the doctors are being very supportive and everyone is being really helpful and understanding.'

It has raised £9,800 to date, with the initial target of £9,000 now boosted to £15,000. Mr McFarlane says the funding will be used to cover the 'immediate costs related to her care and long-term support'. 

The 16-year-old boy, understood not to be a pupil at the school, has been discharged from hospital. His injuries are less severe, the Met said.

Teaching staff at Westminster Academy have sought to reassure parents in the wake of the incident. 

The school was closed on Tuesday, with lessons held online while police carried out an investigation. 

It reopened as normal yesterday, during which time a coffee morning was held for parents to be able to discuss the incident with staff.

Additional security staff have been deployed at drop-off and pick-up times, while the Met has laid on additional officers to ensure a visible police presence in the area.

Educational psychologists have been laid on to help staff have conversations with students about the alleged incident, while child counsellors are on hand to support anxious students, with more to be supplied by local mental health services.

In a letter to parents, principal Numera Anwar said the safety of students and staff was at the 'forefront' of their minds at all times.

She said: 'It was humbling to see our students arriving today with a smile on their faces, ready to continue with their education despite some difficult circumstances in recent days.

'Parents and carers should continue to be assured that the school has appropriate measures in place and our students continue to remain safe with no evidence of any further increased risk.'

Police are continuing to appeal for information as they question the suspect who is in custody.

DS Ware continued: 'We are aware of the concerns raised by the community and questions that are being asked about the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

'We have been working closely with our key partners to provide support and reassurance to those affected.

'We will maintain a visible policing presence outside the school and will continue to work closely with the school and local authority.

'If you were in the vicinity of Alfred Road around the time of the attack and have dashcam footage that could prove key to our investigation, we ask that you urgently get in touch with us.'

The investigations team can be contacted directly on 020 7175 4652. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference CAD 4987/30SEP.