Clapham alkaline chemical attack: Latest sighting of Abdul Ezedi by the Thames as manhunt continues
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A mum has potentially "life-changing" wounds following an attack with a corrosive substance which left 12 people injured near Clapham Common in Lambeth.
Police have named as a suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, 35, who is thought to have travelled to London yesterday from Newcastle. Police said he was last caught on camera in Allhallows Lane near Cannon Street on Wednesday night, and that he has injuries to his face.
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Hide AdThe manhunt is being led and co-ordinated by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, with a team of more than 100 officers dedicated to the investigation A reward of up to £20,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
The BBC reports that Ezedi was convicted of "sexual assault/exposure" in 2018, before being granted asylum in 2021 or 2022.
Among the victims were a 31-year-old mum and her two daughters, aged eight and three, who remain in hospital. The younger girl's condition is no longer assessed as "life changing"
Members of the public who intervened to help the family.
Police were called to an incident in Lessar Avenue at about 7.25pm on Wednesday January 31, and a manhunt has been launched for the attacker, who police believe was known to the mother.
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Hide AdThree other women - two in their 30s and one in her 50s – were injured when they came to help the family. They have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries, while a man in his 50s declined hospital treatment for minor injuries.
Five police officers were injured as they responded and were treated in hospital.
On Monday (February 5) a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Anyone with information or footage can call the incident room directly on 0207 175 2784 - or call 999 with any sightings.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Corrosive substance attack in Clapham
Key Events
- Police have warned the public not to approach suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi
- A three-year-old girl and her mother may have life-changing injuries
- A total of 12 people were injured in the incident which involved an alkaline substance
Police statement in full
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said on Thursday morning: "Firstly, I want to acknowledge the considerable public concern following this terrible incident, and update on the injuries suffered by the victims.
"The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters - aged eight and three - all remain in hospital. While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be.
"I am sure the public will join me in saying they are in our thoughts and we wish them the fullest possible recovery.
"Three women - two in their 30s and one in her 50s – who were injured when they bravely came to the aid of the family, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries he suffered.
"Five officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and have left hospital.
"All these members of the public, and my officers, deserve enormous recognition and praise for coming to the aid of this woman and children in what must have been a terrifying scenario. We will provide them with all the support we can.
"I also want to commend nearby hotel staff after victims and officers sought refuge and water there following the incident.
"We were called to Lessar Avenue, SW4 at about 19:25hrs on Wednesday, 31 January.
"It was reported that a man had thrown a child to the ground and that a substance - which we now know to be alkaline - had been thrown. The man attempted to make off in a car but collided with a stationary vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.
"We believe the man and woman are known to each other. Our investigation is in its early stages and we are working to establish why this awful incident has happened.
"Officers from across the Met are working with partner agencies and forces to locate and arrest the man. While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him. We will release more information about him as soon as we can.
"Any members of the public who saw what happened can help us by calling 101quoting reference CAD 7790/31Jan. I also urge local people and drivers to check their doorbell and dash cameras for any footage that might have captured a man fleeing the area, and to please contact us immediately.
"An extensive crime scene is in place and is likely to remain in place for some time. I thank colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the National Police Air Service who also assisted last night.
"I don't underestimate the impact this news will have had on the local community. My officers are in the area carrying out patrols and I urge you to speak to them if you have any information or concerns you want to share."
Injury update
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said on Thursday morning: "The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters - aged eight and three - all remain in hospital. While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be."
'Really shocking attack'
Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said: "This is a really shocking attack. If you were in the Clapham Common area last night, you may have seen something which the police could find useful."
Location of attack
The attack happened in a residential street just off Clapham COmmon, near Clapham South station.
'White car'
Images from the crime scene show a white car across the middle of the road, surrounded by police tape.
Lambeth and Southwark London Assembley member Marina Ahmad said the incident involved a collision.
The victims
The police have given the following details of the victims:
- Three people - a woman and her two young children - believed to have been the original targets of the attack, have been taken to hospital for treatment.
- Three adults - believed to have come to the victims' aid - have been taken to hospital for injuries sustained.
- Three police officers are believed to have minor injuries after responding to the incident.