A man has been attacked with a corrosive substance in West Hampstead in the area’s first acid attack,

This marks the latest chilling development in the London-wide trend towards the use of acid in crime.

Police were called to Iverson Road shortly before 11pm on Saturday, where an 18-year-old man had been attacked with “some form of caustic substance” near the junction with West End Lane and West Hampstead overground station.

The victim was taken to a central London hospital, and later to Moorfields Eye hospital where he has been reviewed by specialists.

He is still in hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The two suspects fled in the direction of Kilburn High Road.

Both are described as white males wearing hoodies.

A 17-year-old male was interviewed under caution after attending a north London police station on Monday. He was not arrested.

A second 17-year-old male was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of robbery. He was subsequently released.

Until now, the Hampstead area and the entire borough of Camden had remained unscathed by recent months’ increase in the use of acid as a weapon by muggers, which has hit nearby Hackney particularly badly.

In a local newsletter published just days before Saturday’s attack, neighbourhood police officer Edward Bromilow wrote: “There have been no acid attacks in Hampstead and it remains one of the safest areas in North London.

“Acid attacks are a very serious crime punished by up to life imprisonment. It is also a crime to be in possession of acid in a public place.

“All police vehicles are being equipped with large quantities of water to treat victims until an ambulance can arrive.

“If you come upon someone who has been sprayed with acid, the simplest and best thing you can do is flood the affected area with clean water until an ambulance arrives.”

Anyone with any information, about Saturday’s attack can contact police at the Central North Command Unit via 101, or via Twitter @MetCC. To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.