Some of the images posted for the GoFundMe appeal

MORE than £12,000 has been raised for the family of one of the victims of a “suspected acid attack” outside a school this week.

Described as a “senseless act of violence” by her father, two children and a member of staff at Westminster Academy, were left requiring hospital treatment.

Officers on patrol were flagged down by staff at the school after a substance was allegedly thrown at a 16-year-old boy and the 14-year-old girl academy student by a “lone man” in Alfred Road around 4.40pm on Monday.

The school has been holding counselling support to pupils who returned to classes this week with guidance from the headteacher.

The girl’s injuries are potentially life-changing according to the Metropolitan Police Service who yesterday (Thursday) said a 35-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He was being held in custody but was yet to be charged as the Extra went to press.

The girl’s father, Corey McFarlane, said: “Words cannot express the shock, pain, and trauma she is going through right now, both physically and emotionally. This senseless act of violence has left her with severe injuries that require urgent and long-term medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and mental health support.

“As we focus on her recovery, we also need help to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. We are working closely with authorities, but any support we can get from the community to spread awareness, gather information, and assist in the investigation would be deeply appreciated.

“We are humbly asking for donations to help cover her expenses and support her journey to recovery. Any contribution, big or small, will make a huge difference in her life and help us take the first steps towards healing from this unimaginable attack.”

Mr McFarlane was speaking in a GoFundMe fundraising post online, which had raised over £12,000 by yesterday after being set up on Tuesday.

A statement from Westminster Academy said: “Safeguarding is our absolute priority and we are grateful to the police for their swift response and their support in continuing to safeguard our community.

“The thoughts of our whole community are with our student and their family, as well as our member of staff and another bystander who were also injured.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our principal and the entire staff body. They have been absolutely exceptional in supporting our students this week, with bespoke support from counsellors and educational psychologists available to all who need it.

“We would also like to thank our students and families, both for their messages in support of the school and for the calm and measured way in which students have returned to school.”

Yesterday investigating officer Detective Superintendent Scott Ware said: “The investigation team has been working tirelessly to piece together the events in which two young victims, aged 16 and 14, were approached outside the school by a lone man who threw a substance at them before fleeing.

“We launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack. I am pleased to confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of this morning in connection with the incident.

“The 14-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and has returned to hospital having been briefly discharged by doctors. It may still be some time before we know the true extent of how serious her injuries are, but at this time they are being treated as potentially life-changing.

“The 16-year-old boy has now been discharged by the hospital and fortunately his injuries are not as severe as the girl’s.

“A member of staff from the school also sustained injuries as she rushed to the youngsters to provide first aid to them. We will maintain a visible policing presence outside the school and will continue to work closely with the school and local authority. If you were in the vicinity of Alfred Road around the time of the attack and have dashcam footage that could prove key to our investigation, we ask that you urgently get in touch with us.”

The investigations team can be contacted on 020 7175 4652 or information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quoting CAD 4987/30SEP.

To donate to the family fundraiser go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-daughter-heal-after-a-horrific-acid-attack