Nine people in total were injured in the incident, including a woman and her two young daughters, which happened in Lessar Avenue close to Clapham Common at around 7.25pm.
Lambeth Council will be carrying out community reassurance work in the wake of this incident, and there will be council staff on the ground to talk to local people about what happened, and to support the police in their enquiries.
The woman and her two daughters – aged eight and three – remain in hospital. We have been advised that they are not in a life-threatening condition, but that the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. They are in our thoughts, and we wish them the fullest possible recovery.
The police believe the man and woman are known to each other and have said that while this appears a targeted attack, the man is a dangerous individual and they urgently need to find him.
Three other women were injured when they bravely came to the aid of the family, and they have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s also suffered minor injuries. Five officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and left hospital.
The members of the public, and the injured officers, should be recognised for their efforts in coming to the aid of this woman and children in this terrifying scenario.
Anyone who saw what happened or can help police in their enquiries should call 101 quoting case reference CAD 7790/31 Jan. Local people and drivers are also asked to check their doorbell and dash cameras for any footage that might have captured a man fleeing the area, and to contact police immediately.
Cllr Claire Holland
Lambeth Council Leader
Bayo Dosunmu
Lambeth Chief Executive
Cllr Mahamed Hashi
Lambeth Cabinet Member for Safer Communities
