Hackney nightclub acid attack: Manhunt launched after noxious substance sprayed into crowd leaving two with serious burns
Investigation launched after 600 clubbers forced to evacuate packed venue
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A manhunt has been launched for an attacker who police say sprayed acid into a packed east London nightclub, leaving two in a serious condition in hospital.
The incident in London Fields, east London, forced the evacuation of the venue where around 600 clubbers had been at an event.
In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the Met said the "acidic" substance, which has yet to be identified, was used following a dispute between two groups of people inside the venue.
It resulted in a "noxious substance being sprayed by a male suspect directly at" two victims.
"Other people inside the venue suffered the effects of the substance," the statement added.
The two victims, both men aged in their 20s, are in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
A further 10 people were treated in hospital for their injuries.
Police have made no arrests and the Met said there was nothing to suggest the attack was gang related.
The alarm was first raised at 1.10am on Monday morning and roads were closed as emergency services, including a hazardous area response team, rushed to the premises of Mangle E8 in Sidworth Street, Dalston.
Around 200 people had left the venue before emergency services arrived, with a further 400 evacuated from the building.
A witness said: "Scary scenes in Hackney tonight, we have heard reports of chemical burns of people in the building here."
Anyone with information is being urged to contact detectives from Hackney CID using the non-emergency 101 police number. To remain anonymous, call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.