A 35-year-old man who was arrested in connection with a suspected acid attack outside a West London school has been released on bail.
The incident occurred on September 30, when 14-year-old Tegan McFarlane and a 16-year-old boy were attacked outside Westminster Academy on Alfred Road. Tegan suffered potentially life-changing injuries and needed surgery for burns sustained to the left side of her face, while the boy received “less severe” injuries. A staff member at the school also sustained minor injuries while rushing to provide first aid to the teenagers.
An investigation was immediately launched, and on the morning of October 3, police arrested the 35-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He was taken to a central London police station and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries. A 14-year-old girl has also been arrested in connection with the incident and was similarly bailed.
Detectives say that “a lone man” threw a substance at the teenagers before fleeing on an electric scooter along Harrow Road.
Tegan’s father, Corey McFarlane, expressed his anguish over the attack, stating: “Words cannot express the shock, pain, and trauma that my daughter is experiencing, both physically and emotionally.” He added that Tegan is deeply affected by the attack and that she is “very traumatised” by the injuries, fearing they could leave lifelong scars.
The 16-year-old boy who was also injured has since been discharged from the hospital.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, leading the investigation, acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and support. “We have been working closely with our key partners to provide support and reassurance to those affected,” he said.
He assured the community that a visible police presence would remain outside the school to provide reassurance and address any concerns. He urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, particularly those who may have dashcam footage of the area at the time of the attack.
“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,” Detective Superintendent Ware added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the investigations team on 020 7175 4652.
