Two men rushed to hospital after noxious substance attack in east London

Police are investigating an incident in which two teenagers had a noxious substance thrown over them in an attack in east London.

Officers arrived at the scene in Roman Road, Bethnal Green around 7pm on Tuesday (25 July).

Initial reports suggested that acid had been used with witness reports stating the pair were shouting: "We have got acid on us, we have got acid on us".

However, a police officer at the scene said the liquid was bleach which had discoloured their faces and burnt their clothing, the Mail Online reported. The officer also said the that victims knew the suspect.

The Metropolitan Police said their injuries are not life threatening.

Witnesses said a blue tarpaulin was erected in Roman Road, Bethnal Green, to shield the victim who was being attended to.

Images on social media appear to show a shirtless man surrounded by police and medics as he pours water over his face. Another man without a shirt who was pictured sitting on the kerb being checked over by ambulance workers.

An investigation into the attack on the teenagers in progress, but no arrests have been made.

There has been a spate of acid attacks in the British capital, which have more than doubled between 2014 and 2016.

One of the most recent occurred in Dagenham after a man was robbed in his own home. In another recent incident in Bow, east London, acid was sprayed onto the stomach of a pregnant woman.

Police have been given acid response kits and Home Secretary Amber Rudd says acid attackers will face life sentences.

Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali said:"It's unacceptable that another attack with a corrosive substance has occurred in east London," the Independent reported.