Manhunt after 12 people including two children and three police officers hurt by acid-like substance

A MANHUNT is underway after a suspected corrosive substance was thrown at people in Lambeth, with 12 people needing hospital treatment.

Police were called to Lessar Avenue, Lambeth at about 7:25pmtoday (Wednesday, January 31).

Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle said: “Officers are on scene following this horrific incident.

"Three victims - a woman and her two young children - have been taken to hospital for treatment.

"Three other people - all adults - have been taken to hospital for injuries sustained, we believe, as they came to their aid.

"We will update as soon as we know more about their conditions.

"Three police officers have also been taken to hospital after they responded to the incident. Thankfully we believe their injuries to be minor.

"While tests are ongoing to determine what the substance is, at this stage we believe it to be a corrosive substance.

"A man was seen fleeing the scene. We are drawing on resources from across the Met to apprehend this individual and work is ongoing to determine what has led to this awful incident.

"The National Police Air Service are assisting us. Any members of the public who can help us with information or material should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan."

There has been no arrest at this early stage.