A teenager suffered serious injuries when thugs sprayed him in the face in a suspected acid attack.

The 18-year-old victim was sprayed with a corrosive substance near Downsell primary school in Leyton on Sunday night, Scotland Yard said.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were scrambled to Langthorn Road just before 10pm.

He was given first aid before being rushed to hospital with injuries that have been described as possibly life-changing.

No arrests have been made after the incident, which happened in Langthorne Road. Police are investigating.

The attack comes after a spike in similar incidents in east and north-east London.

The sudden surge in similar crimes has led to calls for the sale of acid to be restricted.

Anyone with information is asked to call Waltham Forest CID on 101 or Tweet @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.