Two Police Officers Hurt by Corrosive Substance at Surbiton Station
Two officers ended up in hospital after a suspected alkaline chemical was released at Surbiton railway station on Friday, November 29, 2024. Cops arrested two boys, aged 14 and 16, on suspicion of possessing a corrosive substance in public and plotting grievous bodily harm.
Chaos at Surbiton: Officers Injured in Chemical Attack
British Transport Police (BTP) spotted two suspicious youths around 4:20pm. When they approached, a corrosive liquid was unleashed, injuring two officers severely enough to need hospital treatment. Seven other officers, including two from the Metropolitan Police, were treated on-site by paramedics. Thankfully, none suffered life-threatening injuries and all have been discharged.
The 16-year-old suspect was also taken to hospital as a precaution. Both teens remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Surbiton Station Shut Down During Emergency
The London Fire Brigade was called to secure the area. Surbiton station closed temporarily, forcing South Western Railway to skip stops there for several hours during the busy evening rush. Services resumed by 7pm, but not before major disruption hit commuters.
“Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and enquiries are ongoing,” confirmed a BTP spokesperson.
Rising Threats on UK Trains Sparks Concerns
This shocking attack adds to growing fears over railway safety. Violent assaults on women aboard trains have more than doubled since 2021, with 11,357 crimes reported in 2023 versus 7,561 in 2021. Sexual offences also rose by 10% in that time.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face as they work to keep the railway safe,” the BTP said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
