Police are investigating a possible link between an acid attack on a 14-year-old girl and a dispute at her school, according to her family. The attack, which occurred on Monday afternoon outside Westminster Academy in Paddington, central London, has left the girl with potentially life-changing injuries.

The girl’s grandmother, Bridget McFarlane, described the situation as “traumatic,” but expressed confidence that authorities are closing in on the attacker. The police have got details of who did it and they are investigating,” she told MailOnline. They kind of know who it is. It’s a dispute with somebody at school.” She revealed that the girl had been readmitted to the hospital earlier today after initially being released, adding, “It’s all horrible.

The victim’s father, Corey McFarlane, also spoke out, describing his daughter’s injuries as severe and requiring urgent, long-term medical care. He has urged anyone with information to come forward and help bring the attacker to justice.

Attack Outside School

On Monday afternoon, a tall, slim Black man in dark clothing reportedly threw a corrosive substance at the teenage girl and a 16-year-old boy, who did not attend Westminster Academy, before fleeing the scene on an e-scooter. A 27-year-old teacher was also injured while attempting to assist the teenagers.

The attacker escaped from Alfred Road, close to Paddington Station, heading in the direction of Harrow Road. The Metropolitan Police have called for drivers with dashcam footage to check for any signs of the suspect fleeing the area.

The girl and the other teenage victim remain hospitalised. Authorities believe her injuries may be life-changing, and her long-term recovery is uncertain.

Fundraiser for Victim’s Recovery

Corey McFarlane has launched a fundraiser to cover his daughter’s “immediate” and long-term medical costs. In a heartfelt plea, he wrote, “Words cannot express the shock, pain, and trauma she is going through right now, both physically and emotionally.

The father shared images of the girl’s injuries and asked for community support to help pay for surgeries, rehabilitation, and mental health care. The fundraiser’s initial goal is £9,000, of which roughly one-fifth has already been raised. Any contribution, big or small, will make a huge difference in her life and help us take the first steps towards healing from this unimaginable attack,” Mr McFarlane wrote.

He also emphasized the need for information to assist in the police investigation, urging community members to share what they know.

Ongoing Investigation and Appeals

No arrests have yet been made in the investigation. The Met Police said the suspect was masked and dressed head-to-toe in dark clothing at the time of the attack. They are appealing for dashcam footage or any other information that may lead to the identification of the attacker.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis said officers were on routine patrol when they were alerted to the attack. We believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing,” he said.

The school, Westminster Academy, was closed on Tuesday following the incident, but it reopened on Wednesday with counselling staff available for students. The school’s principal, Numera Anwar, described the attack as a “distressing incident” that occurred after school hours. She assured parents and students that they were offering support to families affected and working closely with authorities.

Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug called the attack “a truly shocking” act, adding that the council would provide educational psychologists to help the school community through this traumatic time. “Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can,” Hug said.

Call for Information

The Met Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the attack or has information that could assist the investigation to contact them on 101, quoting reference CAD 4987/30Sep. Information can also be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.