In a shocking and distressing incident in Clapham South, south London, a mother and her two children were among nine people injured in a suspected acid attack that left victims screaming in pain. Witnesses reported that the assailant fled the scene, leaving chaos and suffering in their wake.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening, shortly before 7:30 PM, on Lessar Avenue, SW4. The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered a horrific scene of injuries and panic.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when a man threw a corrosive substance at the family, causing them excruciating pain. One witness recounted, “It was horrific. First, a man grabbed his kid, a girl aged two or three, from a white car. He threw her onto 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!'”

As the victims cried out in pain, bystanders rushed to their aid. One Good Samaritan tried to clean the chemical from the woman’s face and said, “I ran into my house, grabbed a water bottle, and threw water on her eyes. Her lips were black. Her skin looked burnt.”

Among the victims, three were critically injured – a woman and her two young children. Eight others, including those who rushed to help and responding police officers, sustained injuries in the chaos. Fortunately, the injuries to the police officers were reported to be minor.

A manhunt is now underway to locate and apprehend the attacker who fled the scene. The Metropolitan Police have deployed significant resources, including a helicopter, to assist in the search for the suspect. Forensic teams were observed at the scene, inspecting a coffee cup that may have been used to throw the corrosive substance.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the nature of the substance used in the attack. Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle stated, “While tests are ongoing to determine what the substance is, at this stage, we believe it to be a corrosive substance.”

The horrifying incident has left the Clapham South community in shock, with residents and officials anxiously awaiting updates as the investigation progresses. London Ambulance Service confirmed that five of the nine injured individuals were taken to a major trauma center, while three were transported to a local hospital, and one was discharged at the scene.

Marina Ahmad, Labour’s London Assembly member for Lambeth & Southwark, expressed her concern, saying, “There has been a traffic collision with a man assaulting occupants in a car and throwing acid. Victims include children.” Local MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy also voiced her apprehension about the incident.

The Clapham South Belvedere hotel and the surrounding area have been cordoned off as the investigation continues, and a heavy police presence remains in the vicinity. Fire engines and ambulances were deployed to the scene to provide assistance and medical care to the victims.

This harrowing incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers faced by innocent bystanders and the importance of swift and thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.