Babies 'given bleach to drink' (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Babies 'given bleach to drink'

4:44pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Police are warning that a woman is handing bottles feared to contain bleach to babies in pushchairs.

Officers in Greenwich said that the white woman, aged in her 50s, was seen in Eltham High Street, south east London, giving youngsters the bottles.

A baby boy was taken to hospital after being taken ill.

A spokeswoman for London Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of an incident in Eltham High Street, and sent one crew.

"Our staff treated a baby boy who had been taken unwell, who was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich."

The Metropolitan Police alerted the public to the danger via Twitter. In a message from @MPSGreenwich, police said: "WARNING! Last 1/2 hr. #Eltham High St. White female in 50s giving children in pushchairs bottles containing believed bleach."

Scotland Yard said police were called to McDonald's in Eltham High Street at about 12.40 following reports that a baby had taken ill. It was discovered that the boy, aged 11 months, had been given a baby bottle with an unknown substance by a woman.

The baby, who is believed to have swallowed some of the substance and vomited, was taken to hospital for observation, where he is in a "stable" condition. There have been no arrests.

The suspect was described as a heavily built white female in her 50s, with grey hair, who was wearing black trousers, black trainers, a long multi-coloured top and a black jacket with white chevron type markings. She was carrying a maroon bag.

Officers from Greenwich are investigating, and anyone with information was asked to call the incident room on 020 8284 9543 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. At this stage it is believed only one child has been hurt.