ELEVEN police officers are injured with ‘corrosive substance’ during drugs raid in north London
- Officers attended industrial estate in Barnet to execute a drugs warrant at 2pm
- Several officers were ‘injured by a suspected corrosive substance’, police said
- Victims rushed to hospital with men arrested on suspicion of drugs offences
At least eleven police officers have been injured by a ‘corrosive substance’ during a drugs raid in north London.
Officers had attended an industrial estate in Barnet to execute a drugs warrant today when several were ‘injured by a suspected corrosive substance,’ the Metropolitan Police said.
Witnesses reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ before ‘hundreds’ of officers flooded the area, alongside scores of paramedics and fire crews.
Eleven officers were rushed to hospital for treatment after coming into contact with the substance, but none of their injuries are thought to be life-threatening.
Several men who were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences were also taken to hospital after suffering injuries ‘related to the substance,’ police said.
At least 10 officers have been injured by a suspected corrosive substance during a drugs raid in north London. Pictured: The scene today
Officers attended an industrial area in Barnet to execute a drugs warrant at around 2pm today when several were ‘injured by a suspected corrosive substance,’ the Metropolitan Police said
A force spokesperson added: ‘We await an assessment of the extent of these injuries.
‘However none are believed to be in a life-threatening condition. A number of males were arrested on suspicion of drug offences at this stage.
‘They have been taken to hospital having also suffered injuries related to the substance. Their conditions are not believed to be life-threatening.’
One witness told MailOnline she saw police officers ‘being showered down’ by firemen following the incident.
‘I just heard a bang and then saw hundreds of emergency services,’ she said. ‘The fireman then told us we had to get away and we saw police officers being showered down.’
Witnesses reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ before ‘hundreds’ of officers flooded the area, alongside scores of paramedics and fire crews. Pictured: The scene
One woman reported seeing ‘police officers being showered down’ by firemen following the incident
Police officers are seen at the scene after officers were injured in north London today
The road by the industrial estate in Barnet was closed off while officers investigated the situation
Officers are seen running down the street in Barnet today after policemen were injured during a drugs raid
Locals talk to police officers at the scene in Barnet today where at least ten officers were injured in an ‘acid attack’
She added the area had been ‘cordoned off’ with more police officers ‘turning up constantly.’
Footage from the scene captured multiple ambulance and fire engines at the scene, alongside numerous patrol cars and what appeared to be armed officers.
Scotland Yard confirmed London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade are also in attendance at the ongoing incident.
‘Full enquiries into the exact circumstances continue,’ a statement added.
‘The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed as is routine.’