Two boys charged following police exposure to alkali

Charges have been filed against two teenage boys following an alleged chemical assault at a railway station in south-west London, an incident that resulted in two police officers being hospitalized. The individuals, aged 14 and 16, were observed at Surbiton railway station on Friday, approximately at 16:20 GMT, displaying behavior described as “acting suspiciously.” British Transport Police reported that officers who approached the pair were “exposed to a substance believed to be alkaline.” The teenagers, apprehended at the scene, face charges of possessing a corrosive substance in a public place and are scheduled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The identities of the two boys cannot be disclosed because of their ages. The police force confirmed that the two officers who were hospitalized have since been released. Additionally, paramedics assessed seven other police officers at the incident site. The event led to significant disruption for passengers traveling through Surbiton station on Friday, as some train services were cancelled and others experienced severe delays.