Two schoolchildren and a teacher have been hospitalised following a suspected acid attack at Westminster Academy in Paddington, west London.

The incident took place around 4:40 pm on Monday when a substance, believed to be acidic, was thrown at two teenagers and a staff member. A 14-year-old girl suffered injuries that are feared to be life-changing and is currently in the hospital.

A 16-year-old boy was also injured, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, while a 27-year-old teacher was discharged from the hospital after treatment. Two police officers who attended the scene were taken to the hospital as a precaution after reporting feeling unwell.

Police are actively searching for the assailant responsible for the attack.

Following the incident, Westminster Academy announced its temporary closure, stating on its website, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the WA school site will be closed on Tuesday, 1st October. Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teacher. The Year 6 Open Morning scheduled for 1st October is being rescheduled for Tuesday 8th October. We apologise for any inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police on patrol were flagged down at 16:42hrs on Monday, 30 September by staff at a school in Alfred Road, W2, after a substance was allegedly thrown at pupils and a staff member.

Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire Brigade and found three people injured.

Victim one, a 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, remains in hospital.

Victim two, a 27-year-old woman, has been discharged from the hospital.

Victim three, a 14-year-old girl, remains in hospital with injuries that may potentially be life-changing.

Tests of the substance are ongoing, and at this stage, officers believe it to be acidic. Urgent enquiries are under way to identify and arrest those responsible. A number of crime scenes are in place.

Two officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information regarding the incident. Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting reference CAD 4987/30 Sept. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.