A man threw acid on 9 people, including children, in London

Authorities in London began searching for a man on Wednesday after at least eight people, including children, were injured in an acid-throwing incident on Lesser Avenue in Clapham, London, according to UK media reports.

Police officers who rushed to the scene were among the injured, but their condition is described as non-life-threatening.

Rescue workers at the scene said those receiving immediate medical attention were three children and a woman at around 7.25pm.

London Ambulance Service also confirmed nine people were being treated, with five of them being taken to a major trauma centre.

“Three patients were taken to a local hospital and the other was discharged at the scene,” he added.

Marina Ahmad, London Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark, described the incident as a road collision in which a man attacked occupants of a car and threw acid.

“We are drawing on resources from across the Met to arrest this individual and work is continuing to establish what led to this horrific incident,” said Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle.

“While testing is ongoing to determine what the substance is, at this stage we believe it is a corrosive substance.

“A man was seen leaving the scene. We are leveraging resources from across the Met to arrest this individual and work is continuing to establish what led to this horrific incident.

“The National Police Aviation Service is assisting us. Any member of the public who can assist us with information or material should call 999 ref CAD 7790/31 Jan immediately.”