Pictures show the scene after a woman and her two children were taken to hospital following an attack with a chemical substance in Clapham.
Emergency services were called to Lessar Avenue in Clapham yesterday (January 30) at around 7:30pm.
Three victims, a woman aged 31 and her two daughters aged eight and three, were treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
Metropolitan Police has confirmed that their injuries are not life-threatening, but the injuries sustained by the mother and youngest daughter may be life-changing.
In total nine people including the victims were treated by paramedics - with five taken to a major trauma centre and one discharged at the scene.
London Fire Brigade has said that equipment was used to detect a “corrosive substance” which is believed to have been used at the incident.
It was reported that a man had thrown a child to the ground and an alkaline substance had been thrown.
The man attempted to drive away before his car crashed with a stationary vehicle and he made off on foot.
It is believed that the man and the woman are known to each other.
Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation and an "extensive" crime scene is in place, which is likely to be in operation whilst investigation works continue.
No arrests have yet been made.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, a senior officer who polices in Lambeth, has updated on last night’s events: "Firstly, I want to acknowledge the considerable public concern following this terrible incident, and update on the injuries suffered by the victims.
"The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters - aged eight and three - all remain in hospital.
“While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be.
"I am sure the public will join me in saying they are in our thoughts and we wish them the fullest possible recovery.
"Three women - two in their 30s and one in her 50s – who were injured when they bravely came to the aid of the family, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries he suffered.
"Five officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and have left hospital.
"All these members of the public, and my officers, deserve enormous recognition and praise for coming to the aid of this woman and children in what must have been a terrifying scenario. We will provide them with all the support we can.
"I also want to commend nearby hotel staff after victims and officers sought refuge and water there following the incident.
"We were called to Lessar Avenue, SW4 at about 19:25hrs on Wednesday, 31 January.
"It was reported that a man had thrown a child to the ground and that a substance - which we now know to be alkaline - had been thrown.
"The man attempted to make off in a car but collided with a stationary vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.
"We believe the man and woman are known to each other. Our investigation is in its early stages and we are working to establish why this awful incident has happened.
"Officers from across the Met are working with partner agencies and forces to locate and arrest the man. While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him. We will release more information about him as soon as we can.
"Any members of the public who saw what happened can help us by calling 101quoting reference CAD 7790/31Jan. I also urge local people and drivers to check their doorbell and dash cameras for any footage that might have captured a man fleeing the area, and to please contact us immediately.
"An extensive crime scene is in place and is likely to remain in place for some time. I thank colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the National Police Air Service who also assisted last night.
"I don't underestimate the impact this news will have had on the local community. My officers are in the area carrying out patrols and I urge you to speak to them if you have any information or concerns you want to share."
A spokesperson for London Ambulance Service said: “We were called today (31 January) at 7:29pm to reports of an incident on Clapham Common South Side, SW4.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including two incident response officers, three ambulance crews, and members of our hazardous area response team (HART).
“We treated nine people, five of whom were taken to a major trauma centre.
“Three patients were taken to a local hospital and the other was discharged at the scene.”
London Fire Brigade said in a statement: "Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lessar Avenue in Clapham this evening.
"Working alongside emergency service partners, crews provided immediate emergency care to a woman and two children. Five further people were also treated at the scene. They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
"Crews also used specialist equipment to detect a corrosive substance that is believed to have been used in the incident."
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