A headteacher sent out a letter to reassure parents after an acid attack outside a school.

Isaac Newton Academy principal Rachel Macfarlane wrote to parents about the incident which took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12, in High Road, Ilford.

A police spokesman confirmed that they received reports of an assault in the High Road.

He said: “A 21-year-old man was smoking in a nearby alleyway when he was approached by two suspects.

“The suspects threw a corrosive substance over him.

“London Fire Brigade attended and treated the victim for facial burns.”

In a letter addressed to parents the principal confirmed that no members of the school community were involved in the incident,

She wrote: “The police attended the scene very quickly and cordoned off the affected area of the pavement.

“As usual there was a significant senior staff presence on the High Road at the end of the school day and we were able to ensure that everyone was reassured and got home safely.”

Ms Macfarlane said that all staff at the school have received guidance on the action to take in event of a chemical attack and are all trained in emergency planning.

“Given its proximity to the academy, the incident is a disconcerting reminder that we must all remain vigilant at all times to the possibility of attacks of this nature,” she wrote.

“It is extremely sad that these types of incidents are becoming more frequent in and around London.”

A parent who witnessed the attack spoke to the Recorder.

He said: “I saw a bottle on the floor, and a man was naked, washing himself with help from the police.

“I am upset because both my kids were right there about to finish school when it happened.

“It was right outside a school ranging from reception to secondary.”

After hospital treatment, the victim was arrested for possession of cannabis.

Territorial Support Group officers returned to the High Road and found a black holdall bag containing bags of the class B drug.