Two law enforcement officials were hospitalized after they were “subjected to a substance thought to be alkaline” during an incident at a railway station in southwest London.
Two adolescents, aged 14 and 16, were apprehended on allegations of possessing a corrosive substance in a public area and conspiring to inflict serious bodily harm.
The minors were taken into custody around 4:20 PM after British Transport Police (BTP) “observed two individuals behaving suspiciously” at Surbiton train station.
“As officers interacted with the individuals, they were subjected to a substance believed to be alkaline,” the police statement indicated.
Two officers were transported to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-altering or life-threatening, according to law enforcement.
“Seven additional officers, including two members of the Metropolitan Police, were evaluated at the location by paramedics,” a BTP spokesperson remarked.
“The 16-year-old was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Authorities are not seeking any additional suspects in connection with the incident and investigations are ongoing.
“The station was temporarily closed while the London Fire Brigade ensured the area was secure, but it has since reopened.”
During the closure, South Western Railway services did not halt at the station for several hours as police managed the situation, leading to considerable disruption during the evening rush hour.
Normal operations resumed by 7 PM, the company reported.
