Surbiton station 'chemical attack' sees cops rushed to hospital as two schoolboys arrested

Two teenagers aged 14 and 16 have been arrested after police officers were exposed to a a substance 'believed to be alkaline' at Surbiton railway station

Two teenage schoolboys have been arrested after a 'chemical attack' at a railway station in London.

Police said the two boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space after the incident at Surbiton station around 4.20pm this afternoon. Officers had spotted "two people acting suspiciously" and were exposed to a substance "believed to be alkaline" after approaching them.

The 16-year-old was taken to hospital "as a precaution", while the two police officers were also admitted with non-life threatening injuries. Seven other officers were also checked over at the scene by paramedics.

Surbiton railway station was closed on Friday afternoon to allow firefighters to clean the area, and has since reopened. Passenger lines between Surbiton and Woking were also closed. A spokesperson for South Western Railway (SWR) said: "Due to emergency services dealing with an incident between Surbiton and Woking all lines are blocked. Trains may be cancelled, delayed or revised because of this problem."

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "Officers from British Transport Police were at Surbiton railway station today at around 4.20pm when they spotted two people acting suspiciously. As officers engaged with the people, they were exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline.

"Two officers were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life changing or life threatening. Seven other officers, including two officers from the Metropolitan Police were checked at the scene by paramedics. Two boys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. The 16-year-old has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection and enquiries are ongoing. The station was closed while the London Fire Brigade made the area safe, but has since been reopened."