01 December 2024 , 17:02
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British Transport Police ‘exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline’ at railway station
Two schoolboys have been charged after a suspected chemical attack at Surbiton railway station that caused two police officers to be taken to hospital.
The suspects, aged 14 and 16, were at the station in south-west London at about 4.20pm on Friday when they were spotted by British Transport Police “acting suspiciously”.
When officers approached the boys, they were “exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline”, a police spokesperson said. The two officers were taken to hospital for treatment, but have since been discharged.
“Seven other officers, including two officers from the Metropolitan police were checked at the scene by paramedics,” the force added.
The incident caused significant disruption for passengers travelling through Surbiton station on Friday, with some train services cancelled and others severely delayed.
The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested at the scene and charged with possession of a corrosive substance in a public place.
They are due to appear at Wimbledon magistrates court on 2 December.