Three men have been arrested in London over a suspected acid attack on a three-year-old boy in Worcester.

Police said the suspects, aged 22, 25 and 26 were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

The toddler was in a pushchair in a shop with his family when a corrosive substance was “thrown or sprayed over him” on Saturday afternoon, according to West Mercia Police.

He was treated in hospital for serious burns to his face and one arm before being released on Sunday afternoon.

Police said the long-term implications of his injuries are “uncertain”.

A 39-year-old man from Wolverhampton arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm remains in custody, the force said.

Worcester City Council leader Marc Bayliss described the attack as “absolutely pure evil”.

Meanwhile, Worcester MP Robin Walker said the attack was “horrific”, and the “shock will be universal”.

Police are continuing to appeal for information over the suspected attack at Home Bargains in Tallow Hill.

Detective Inspector Tony Garner said: “We’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal over the weekend and contacted us with information; all of this is helping us to build up a better picture of this incident.

“We’re continuing to urge anyone else with information to contact us.”