Two teenage boys arrested after ‘chemical attack’ at busy UK train station

Two teenage boys have been arrested after a ‘chemical attack’ at a train station in London.

According to the police, the boys are aged 14 and 16 and have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space. Two people were seen ‘acting suspiciously’ at Surbiton Station in south west London on Friday 29. 

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.”

Transport

The incident caused major disruption to journeys this evening as the station was closed and no trains were able to stop at Surbiton for three hours.

South Western Railway (SWR) said disruption was expected to last until 10pm.

What is an alkaline substance?

While alkaline is not the same as acid, both are corrosive substances and can cause substantial pain, disfigurement, blindness, disability or even death.

Alkaline chemicals are able to penetrate and damage the deeper layers of tissue when compared to acidic chemicals.

Alkaline agents are considered more toxic than acids, because they can cause irreversible changes and damage, experts say.

Their strength is measured using the PH scale, which spans from 0 to 14. Substances with a PH level below neutral (7) are acidic, while those with a higher level are alkaline. Each becomes more corrosive the further from neutral they are found to be.

Alkaline substances are often used in common household cleaning products. These include lime products, plaster and mortar, oven and drain cleaners, dishwasher powders and fertilisers.

Meanwhile, acid products include toilet cleaners, battery acid, bleach and chemicals that are added to gas.

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