Westminster Academy acid attack: ‘Beautiful’ 14-year-old victim will need long-term medical care, says family

Two teenagers were rushed to hospital along with a member of staff after acid was thrown on them outside Westminster Academy on Monday afternoon.

A boy, 16, remains in hospital with non life-changing injuries while the staff member, a woman aged 27, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

A fundraiser has been set up for the teenage girl by her family to pay for her care and support.

“Words cannot express the shock, pain, and trauma she is going through right now, both physically and emotionally,” her father Corey McFarlane wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“This senseless act of violence has left her with severe injuries that require urgent and long-term medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and mental health support.

“As we focus on her recovery, we also need help to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We are working closely with authorities, but any support we can get from the community to spread awareness, gather information, and assist in the investigation would be deeply appreciated.”

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Police 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 down Harrow Road.

The suspect is described as a tall, slim, Black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. He rode an e-scooter to and from the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: “I know how incredibly concerning this incident is to parents and pupils and the wider Westminster community. We are in close contact with the school and local authority, and I can assure people that a thorough investigation is well under way, and that my officers will not stop until the suspect is found and arrested.

“If you have information that can help us, it is imperative that you tell us immediately. The area at the time was busy with people and cars. I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have captured dash cam footage that can help us establish what happened.”

Two police officers who were taken to hospital as a precaution after feeling unwell have since been discharged.

Westminster Academy was closed on Tuesday, with lessons taking place online and many staff working from home. On Wednesday the school opened as normal with staff told to expect a police presence.