London acid attack: 9 injured, including 2 young children in southwest London

In a recent event in Clapham, South London, a total of nine people, including two young children and three police officers, were injured in a suspected acid attack. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, around 7.30pm, on Lessar Avenue.

The victims included a mother and her two young children, who were hospitalized as a result of the attack. Additionally, three adults, who came to their aid, were also injured and taken to the hospital. The police officers, who responded to the incident, suffered minor injuries and were also hospitalized.

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An urgent manhunt is underway for a suspect seen fleeing the scene after the attack. The Metropolitan Police are utilizing various resources, including air support from the National Police Air Service, to apprehend the individual responsible for this heinous act. While the exact substance used in the attack is still being determined, it is believed to be a corrosive substance.

This incident has been described as “horrific” by detectives, and the Metropolitan Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in their investigation. The case is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet.

This incident is part of a worrying trend in London. Over recent years, there has been a marked increase in acid attacks. Between 2012 and 2018, the number of violent corrosive liquid offences in London surged from 66 to 752, according to Metropolitan Police statistics. This rise is attributed to criminals turning to acid due to its easy availability and the fear it instills in both rivals and the public. The attacks have varied in nature, including robberies, burglaries, revenge attacks, thefts of mopeds, and intimidation of witnesses.

In response to this growing threat, the UK government has implemented measures to control the possession and sale of corrosive substances. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 bans the sale of such substances to individuals under 18 and gives police additional powers to stop and search those suspected of carrying acid. Despite these measures, victims and experts alike have called for more robust action to address this issue.

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This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the severity and impact of acid attacks. As authorities continue to investigate and seek justice for the victims, the need for increased awareness and stronger preventative measures is underscored.