A two-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital alongside his parents after an apparent acid attack on the family on a north London street.

Emergency services were called to a residential street in Islington just after 1pm on Saturday afternoon to reports of an assault.

They found a 40-year-old father, 36-year-old mother and their young child who had all had a harmful substance thrown at them in Copenhagen Street.

Firefighters attending the incident used water from a hose to cool down their burns at the scene before all three were taken to a north London hospital by ambulance.

The young boy was found to have slight chemical burns to his face although his injuries were being treated as “minor”.

However, his father's injuries were described as "life-changing".

Both parents suffered 15 per cent chemical burns on their hands and bodies, although the mother’s injuries were also only being treated as minor.

An investigation has now been launched into the alleged assault and to ascertain exactly what the liquid used was.

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesman said tests had shown the unknown liquid had a PH level of 1. They added: “Tests have found a strong acid and oxidising substance.”

Detectives from the Met’s Central North Borough Command Unit are now investigating. There have not been any arrests.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) on Saturday, 8 April shortly after 13:05 hours to reports of an assault in Copenhagen Street junction with Caledonian Road, N1.

“Three people - a man, woman and a two-year-old boy - were found with injuries consistent with a noxious substance being thrown.

“The woman and child suffered minor injuries. The man's injuries are not being treated as life threatening, however we await an update as to whether they are life-changing.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and ascertain what the substance is.”

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information, are urged to contact the Central North CID via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.