A mother and a child hurt in a chemical attack in south London may have suffered life-changing injuries, police searching for a “dangerous” suspect say.
They were hurt, alongside another of the woman’s children, in a chemical attack in Clapham last night, when a corrosive substance was thrown by a man.
The man then attempted to make off in a car but collided with another vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.
The Metropolitan Police say an alkaline substance was used during the incident, which they have described as a “targeted attack”.
Officers also believe the male suspect and female victim were known to each other.
Police say officers “urgently” need to find the suspect and are appealing for the public’s help to track him down.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said: “The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters – aged eight and three – all remain in hospital.
“While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing.
“It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be.”
About the suspect, he added: “While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him.
“We will release more information about him as soon as we can.”
A total of 11 people were hurt during the incident, including five police officers who were injured as they responded.
Three women – two in their 30s and one in her 50s – were also injured when they came to the aid of the woman and her two children.
They have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries he suffered.
It comes after footage emerged of the attack.
The CCTV footage shows a man running around a car before getting into the driver’s seat, with a woman and child in front of the vehicle holding their hands to their faces.
The man drives the car at the woman and strikes her, before he stops the vehicle and gets out. He opens the back door and appears to remove a child, before violently throwing them to the ground.
The video also appears to show people from neighbouring properties leaving their homes to chase the man down the road.
Source: 
news.sky.com
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