Nine people, including children, have been injured in an incident involving a "corrosive substance" in Clapham.

Emergency services were called to the chemical incident in Lessar Avenue tonight (Wednesday).

Crews provided immediate emergency care to a woman and her two children kids who were taken to hospital.

Three other adults have also been taken to hospital for injuries sustained, police believe, while helping the others.

Three police officers, with injuries believed to be minor, were also taken to hospital.

A man was seen fleeing the scene and police are drawing resources from across the Metropolitan Police force to apprehend this individual.

Police say work is ongoing to determine what has led to this incident.

Specialist equipment was used to detect a corrosive substance that is believed to have been used in the incident.

Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle said: “Officers are on scene following this horrific incident.

"Three victims - a woman and her two young children - have been taken to hospital for treatment.

"Three other people - all adults - have been taken to hospital for injuries sustained, we believe, as they came to their aid.

"We will update as soon as we know more about their conditions.

"Three police officers have also been taken to hospital after they responded to the incident. Thankfully we believe their injuries to be minor.

"While tests are ongoing to determine what the substance is, at this stage we believe it to be a corrosive substance.

"A man was seen fleeing the scene. We are drawing on resources from across the Met to apprehend this individual and work is ongoing to determine what has led to this awful incident.

"The National Police Air Service are assisting us. Any members of the public who can help us with information or material should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan."

London Fire Brigade said in a statement: "Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lessar Avenue in Clapham this evening.

"Working alongside emergency service partners, crews provided immediate emergency care to a woman and two children. Five further people were also treated at the scene. They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

"Crews also used specialist equipment to detect a corrosive substance that is believed to have been used in the incident."

We have asked London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service for more information.