Westbourne Grove ‘acid attack’: Three injured after ‘noxious substance’ thrown in Notting Hill.
Three people have been injured in a suspected acid attack on a busy road in Notting Hill.
Emergency services rushed to Westbourne Grove shortly after 2pm on Tuesday following reports of a “noxious substance attack”.
One photo, which was posted on social media, showed paramedics and firefighters at work as scores of vehicles descended on the scene.
The owner of a nearby fruit and veg shop said: “We just know there was one crazy man throwing things around, about 35 or 40 years old. He sprayed people’s faces.”
A witness who works at a nearby jewellers told the Standard he saw a man wrapped in a blanket at the side of the road.
The 58-year-old, named Wael, said: “I just saw so many police and ambulances, there’s people saying acid attack and some saying it involved pepper spray.
“I saw the guy from the shop sat on the steps of Nando’s with a blanket round him and another person, there was water on the ground outside the shop. Both got in an ambulance after that.
“This has scared us because the shop down the road had an armed robbery and we have had a break in before. This is be first time this has happened here but in general I think crime is getting worse.”
Tool Lodge, a shop near the junction with Garway Road, was locked by police officers. They later left carrying an evidence bag with them while police tape could be seen on the floor of the store.
A member of staff at a frozen yoghurt shop opposite Tool Lodge said he saw paramedics throwing water at the victims’ faces.
Justin, 19, said: “There were ambulances, a fire engine and police officers pouring water on people’s faces.
“I didn’t see anything but the police and ambulances were here for about an hour.”
A Met Police spokeswoman said: “Officers are in attendance along with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
“At this stage it is believed there are three victims.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.”
Westbourne Grove is a popular road running across Notting Hill with numerous shops, restaurants and cafes.
