A teenage girl was hospitalised after being sprayed in the face with an unknown liquid in a Hornchurch college canteen.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of GBH with intent following the assault at Havering Sixth Form College, Wingletye Lane, on Tuesday.

Forensic experts are now examining the liquid that was sprayed and left the girl, 17, needing hospital treatment for eye irritation.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene just before 12.30pm.

The boy was initially arrested on suspicion of common assault and taken to a police station, before being further arrested for GBH with intent.

He has been bailed until early January while the liquid is examined.

Principal Paul Wakeling said the college was looking into what happened.

He said: “An alleged incident took place in the college on Tuesday and a full investigation is under way. The college takes safeguarding extremely seriously and the safety of our students is of paramount importance. We have been praised in our recent Ofsted report for safeguarding.

“We are providing support to those involved.”

Police are continuing their inquiries.