London university chaos with attacker on the loose after four students ‘sprayed with substance’ sparking huge lockdown
A London university has been left in chaos after four students were sprayed with an unknown substance, with the attacker still on the loose.
The incident occurred outside the University of Greenwich’s Avery Hill campus, where emergency services were called shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Tests later revealed the mysterious substance to be non-toxic, though the attacker remains at large.
Police were called to Avery Hill Road in southeast London at 0:13am following reports of an attack, with officers attending alongside London Ambulance Service.
Emergency services found a man with head injuries who was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
During their enquiries, officers discovered three additional people had been sprayed with the substance, but they did not require hospitalisation.
A crime scene remains in place as police continue their investigation into the incident.
The Met Police confirmed tests were conducted on the unknown substance, which was determined to be non-toxic.
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No arrests have been made and urgent enquiries are ongoing.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, 10 December police were called to Avery Hill Road, SE9 at 00:13hrs following reports that a man had been attacked and sprayed with an unknown substance.”
“Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a man for head injuries on scene before taking him to hospital.
“Whilst conducting enquiries on scene, officers found that three other people were sprayed with the substance. Tests were carried out and it was found that the substance was non-toxic.”
A university spokesman said: “Following a police incident in front of our Avery Hill campus overnight, the main entrance is currently closed, although the rest of the campus is open as usual.”
Staff, students and visitors are being directed to alternative entrances by stewards upon arrival at the campus.
The university warned there may be delays to the campus bus service as a result of the closure.
The institution has promised to keep people updated regarding the reopening of the main entrance, while normal operations continue across the rest of the campus.