'Corrosive' substance: Two police hurt, and two boys in GBH probe
The incident caused disruption at Surbiton station in London
Last updated 30th Nov 2024
Two police officers have been taken to hospital after they were "exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline" during an incident at a train station in southwest London.
Two boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
The teenagers were detained at around 4.20pm after British Transport Police (BTP) "spotted two people acting suspiciously" at Surbiton railway station.
"As officers engaged with the people, they were exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline," the force said.
Two officers were taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening, police said.
"Seven other officers, including two officers from the Metropolitan Police, were checked at the scene by paramedics," a BTP spokesperson added.
"The 16-year-old has been taken to hospital as a precaution. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection and enquiries are ongoing.
"The station was closed while the London Fire Brigade made the area safe, but has since been reopened."
In a statement from Ian Drummond-Smith, Assistant Chief Constable for Network Policing at the British Transport Police, all police officers were eventually released from hospital on Saturday (November 30th).
"Pleased to say all officers are out of hospital. Eight British Transport Police or Met Police officers treated by London Ambulance; 2 went to hospital and 2 males remain in custody," he said.
"A reminder of the daily dangers our officers face keeping the railway safe."
South Western Railway trains did not stop at the station for several hours during the closure while police dealt with the aftermath, causing significant disruption during the evening rush hour.
The company said services were running normally again by 7pm.
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