Here’s everything we know so far after a woman and two children were taken to hospital after an attack involving a chemical substance in Clapham.
Emergency services were called yesterday (January 31) at around 7:30pm to Lessar Avenue in Clapham.
Nine people were treated at the scene by paramedics with three of them being police officers.
Three victims – a woman aged 31 and her two daughters aged eight and three – were taken to hospital.
The force has confirmed that their injuries are not life-threatening, although the woman’s and youngest daughters’ injuries could be life-changing.
One witness told the BBC the mother cried “I can’t see, I can’t see” as he tried to help.
Three other women, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, were also injured after they came to the aid of the victims.
All three women were discharged with minor injuries.
A man in his 50s was also among one of the other members of the public to come to the family’s aid, he declined hospital treatment.
Five officers were injured as they responded to the incident and have since been discharged from hospital.
Staff at a nearby hotel were also thanked by Metropolitan Police after they aided victims who sought “refuge and water” following the incident.
A man reportedly threw a child to the ground before a substance now known to be alkaline was thrown.
The man attempted to flee by car before it crashed with a stationary vehicle.
The man then left the car and fled the scene on foot in the direction of Clapham Common.
It is believed that the man and woman are known to each other.
The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation and an “extensive” crime scene remains in place in the area of the incident.
Police warned that whilst this appears to be a targeted attack, the individual is dangerous and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Officers in the area are carrying out patrols and anyone with information is urged to speak to them or get in contact with Metropolitan Police.
No arrests have currently been made.
Marina Ahmad, Labour’s London Assembly member for Lambeth & Southwark, posted on X: “There has been a traffic collision with a man assaulting occupants in a car and throwing acid. Victims include children.”
Anyone with information can contact Metropolitan Police on 999 quoting the reference CAD 7790/31 Jan.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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."
London Fire Brigade has confirmed that tests have been carried out to detect a corrosive substance that is believed to have been used at the scene.
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."
A spokesperson for London Ambulance Service said: “We were called yesterday (31 January) at 7:29pm to reports of an incident on Clapham Common South Side, SW4.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including two incident response officers, three ambulance crews, and members of our hazardous area response team (HART).
“We treated nine people, five of whom were taken to a major trauma centre. Three patients were taken to a local hospital and the other was discharged at the scene.”
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."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here