CCTV footage has been shared by Sky News after a young child was slammed to the floor before a corrosive alkaline substance was thrown at her mum in an attack in Clapham on Wednesday night.

The woman, 31, and her two children, eight and three, were taken to hospital after a man threw the substance at them in south London at around 7.25pm on January 31.

While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing.

CCTV footage of the incident was shared with Sky News and the black and white video shows a number of people surrounding a car in Clapham.

Sky News said that a young child was grabbed from a white car in Lessar Avenue, near Clapham Common, before she was thrown to the floor.

A person was then hit by the car in the clip.

People are seen appearing from their homes to help the victims and three members of the public who came to their aid and five Met Police officers who responded to the incident also suffered injuries and were taken to hospital.

Three women – two in their 30s and one in her 50s – who came to the aid of the family have since been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries.

A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries.

The suspect fled the scene after the incident and attempted to make off in a car but crashed with a stationary vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.

No arrests have been made, the force said.

A witness, who asked not to be named, told the broadcaster the mother screamed “my eyes, my eyes” after the substance was thrown.

The witness told Sky News: “It was horrific.

“First a man grabbed his kid – a girl aged two or three from a white car. He threw her on to the floor twice. It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen.

“The man then threw something at the woman. She was screaming ‘my eyes, my eyes’.

“I then ran into my house, grabbed a water bottle and threw water on her eyes. Her lips were black. Her skin looked burnt.

“I then chased the man halfway down the street. I was wearing my slippers so didn’t get very far.”

“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.”

Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, a senior officer who polices in Lambeth, has updated on last night’s events: "Firstly, I want to acknowledge the considerable public concern following this terrible incident, and update on the injuries suffered by the victims.

"The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters - aged eight and three - all remain in hospital. While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be.

"I am sure the public will join me in saying they are in our thoughts and we wish them the fullest possible recovery.

"Three women - two in their 30s and one in her 50s – who were injured when they bravely came to the aid of the family, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries he suffered.

"Five officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and have left hospital.

"All these members of the public, and my officers, deserve enormous recognition and praise for coming to the aid of this woman and children in what must have been a terrifying scenario. We will provide them with all the support we can.

"I also want to commend nearby hotel staff after victims and officers sought refuge and water there following the incident.

"We were called to Lessar Avenue, SW4 at about 19:25hrs on Wednesday, 31 January.

"It was reported that a man had thrown a child to the ground and that a substance - which we now know to be alkaline - had been thrown. The man attempted to make off in a car but collided with a stationary vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.

"We believe the man and woman are known to each other. Our investigation is in its early stages and we are working to establish why this awful incident has happened.

"Officers from across the Met are working with partner agencies and forces to locate and arrest the man. While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him. We will release more information about him as soon as we can.

"Any members of the public who saw what happened can help us by calling 101quoting reference CAD 7790/31Jan. I also urge local people and drivers to check their doorbell and dash cameras for any footage that might have captured a man fleeing the area, and to please contact us immediately.

"An extensive crime scene is in place and is likely to remain in place for some time. I thank colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the National Police Air Service who also assisted last night.

"I don't underestimate the impact this news will have had on the local community. My officers are in the area carrying out patrols and I urge you to speak to them if you have any information or concerns you want to share."