Schoolboys, 14 and 16, arrested after suspected chemical attack

Two schoolboys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested after a suspected chemical attack at Surbiton station, as two police officers have been rushed to hospital.

British Transport Police were at the train station in south west London at around 4.20pm today where they noticed two boys 'acting suspiciously'. 

When officers approached the teenagers, they were exposed to a chemical substance believed to be alkaline. 

Two officers were taken to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening. 

Passengers travelling through Surbiton station faced major disruption today, as some services were cancelled and others were severely delayed. 

No trains stopped at the station for around three hours which has had a knock-on impact on services. 

While trains are now running normally, South Western Railway said disruption is expected to last until 10pm today.

A spokesperson for South Western Railway (SWR) said: 'Due to emergency services dealing with an incident between Surbiton and Woking all lines are blocked. Trains may be cancelled, delayed or revised because of this problem.' 

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: 'Officers from British Transport Police were at Surbiton railway station today at around 4.20pm when they spotted two people acting suspiciously. 

'As officers engaged with the people, they were exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline.

'Two officers were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life changing or life threatening. 

'Seven other officers, including two officers from the Metropolitan Police were checked at the scene by paramedics.

'Two boys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a corrosive substance in a public space and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. The 16-year-old has been taken to hospital as a precaution. 

'Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

'The station was closed while the London Fire Brigade made the area safe, but has since been reopened.'

Passengers affected by the incident today have been told by SWR they can use their tickets on White Bus Services 458 between Staines, Shepperton, Walton-on-Thames, Hersham, Esher, Hinchley Wood, Thames Ditton, Surbiton, Kingston.

Or, TFL buses between Surbiton, Kingston, Wimbledon, Raynes Park and Twickenham.