Schoolboys, 14 and 16, arrested after chemical attack at train station

Two schoolboys have been arrested after a suspected chemical attack which hospitalised two police officers.

British Transport Police were called to Surbiton railway station in south west London at around 4.20pm to reports the boys were ‘acting suspiciously’.

When officers approached the teenagers – aged 14 and 16 – they were injured with the substance – believed to be alkaline.

Two officers were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries, police said.

The incident led to severe delays at the station – with no trains stopping at the station for around three hours.

Normal service has since resumed, South Western Railway said, although disruption is expected to last until 11.45pm today.

A spokesperson for South Western Railway said: ‘Due to emergency services dealing with an incident between Surbiton and Woking all lines are blocked. Trains may be cancelled, delayed or revised because of this problem.’ 

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: ‘Officers from British Transport Police were at Surbiton railway station today at around 4.20pm when they spotted two people acting suspiciously. 

‘As officers engaged with the people, they were exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline.

‘Two officers were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life changing or life threatening. 

‘Seven other officers, including two officers from the Metropolitan Police were checked at the scene by paramedics.

‘Two boys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. 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.’

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