‘We will catch him, I’m wholeheartedly confident,’ says police chief
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Police are hunting a suspect who threw an alkaline substance at a mother and her two children, leaving her and one daughter with potentially life-changing injuries.
A large manhunt is under way for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, 35, over the “targeted” attack that led to 12 people in all needing hospital treatment.
The Metropolitan Police said Ezedi would have significant injuries on the right side of his face and that anyone who sees him should call 999.
He is believed to have travelled down from Newcastle on Wednesday, and could be heading back there, said Supt Gabriel Cameron.
The 31-year-old woman, described as vulnerable, and her three-year-old daughter, alongside her other daughter, eight, were still in hospital following the attack in south London on Wednesday evening.
The suspect, believed to be known to the mother, was described as dangerous.
Police said that Ezedi ran off after he threw the substance and also threw the younger child to the ground in Lessar Avenue, near Clapham Common, at about 7.25pm. He was last spotted on CCTV in Caledonian Road, north London.
Three bystanders who rushed to help the family suffered minor burns injuries.
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‘We will catch him’
He is Abdul Ezdi, said to be around 35, and was last spotted in north London. It is believed he is from Northumbria.
He fled the scene in a vehicle, a Hyundia car, before going on foot.
Supt Gabriel Cameron told journalists: “We will catch him”. He also urged people not to approach him and call police immediately.
Alex Ross1 February 2024 13:39
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Last photo of suspect shows his burnt face
Detectives have issued a photograph of suspect Abdul Ezedi, showing his badly burnt face, taken from a shop where he bought water after the attack.
The CCTV image came from inside a Tesco store.
Supt Gabriel Cameron said: “We are now releasing an image of the last known sighting of Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, which was on Caledonian Road, N1 at 20.48 on Wednesday, 31 January.
“The image is taken from the Tesco store, where Ezedi is believed to have purchased a bottle of water. He left the shop and turned right.
“The image shows Ezedi with what appears to be significant injuries to the right side of his face. This makes him distinctive.
“If you see Ezedi, call 999 immediately. He should NOT be approached.”
(Metropolitan Police)
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 18:19
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Home secretary condemns ‘appalling’ attack
Home Secretary James Cleverly has condemned the violence, saying: “Last night’s attack on a mother and her two children in Clapham was appalling. My thoughts are with them and the brave members of the public and police who intervened.
“I urge the public to support the Metropolitan Police’s appeal and to come forward if they have any information.
“While a live investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 it is illegal to possess a corrosive substance in a public place without good reason, and attackers using such substances could potentially be jailed for life.
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 17:45
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Neighbours let people in to wash eyes with water
Householders in Clapham invited people into their homes to wash their eyes with water after the attack, London mayor Sadiq Khan has revealed.
“A local hotel nearby opened its doors to the police and to victims to wash out some of the corrosive substance,” said Mr Khan, adding that it can be hard to know what to do in cases such as a chemical assault.
He said he was “incredibly proud of the passers-by who ran to this woman and her children’s aid” and thanked them and the police officers for their “heroism” after the “truly shocking” attack.
Corrosive substances were also offensive weapons alongside guns and knives, the mayor said, adding: “Just as we are taking action, in terms of a public health approach, towards guns and knives, so we have got to do the same with this kind of stuff as well.
“We have to make it as difficult as possible for average people to get hold of dangerous substances.”
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 17:40
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Police patrol area of suspect’s last sighting
There was a heightened police presence in Caledonian Road, north London, where Abdul Ezedi was last seen after Wednesday evening’s attack on the family in Clapham.
Unmarked cars with blue sirens could be seen dotted around the area on Thursday afternoon.
Police vans also drove around the area.
(Google Maps)
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 17:24
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Suspect recognised in Newcastle
A mechanic in the Byker area of Newcastle said his boss recognised Abdul Ezedi from when he had tried to buy a car months ago.
Michael Binks, 37, was shown a picture of the wanted man and said: “He tried to buy a car from us.
“As soon as my boss saw his picture on the news he recognised him.
“It’s a couple of months since we last saw him.”
Mr Binks thought the suspect was living at a nearby halfway house at the time.
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 16:59
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Council ‘shocked and dismayed’
The local authority where the attack happened says it is trying to support local residents.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “We are shocked and dismayed at the violent incident in Clapham yesterday evening that left several people injured. The police have this morning said that a manhunt is under way to trace a suspect after a corrosive substance was thrown at people.
“Our thoughts go out to those who were injured or impacted by this dreadful incident, and the council is working with emergency services to provide reassurance and support to the community.
“We are not aware of any link between this tragic attack and the location of a nearby hotel, at this stage.”
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 16:54
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Watch: Medical supplies at scene after attack
Medical supplies at scene of Clapham ‘acid attack’ as mother and child among injured
Medical supplies can be seen at the scene of a suspected ‘acid attack’ in Clapham, as police confirmed a mother and children are among nine people injured. A manhunt is underway after a woman and her two young children had a suspected corrosive substance thrown in their faces on Wednesday night (31 January). Police are racing to locate a suspect who was seen fleeing Lessar Avenue near Clapham Common at around 7.25pm. The family, three responding police officers, and two others who tried to help were taken to hospital after the attack.
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 16:25
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CCTV appears to capture attack
CCTV appears to capture moment Clapham ‘acid attack’ unfolded
CCTV footage appears to capture the south London chemical attack unfolding which left a woman and her two children injured. Police say a “corrosive substance” was thrown during the attack on Lessar Avenue, Clapham, shortly before 7:30pm on Wednesday 31 January. In the footage, a figure is seen running around a car before getting into the driver’s seat, while a woman and child in front of him hold their hands to their faces. The individual then drives the vehicle towards the woman and knocks her down, before he gets out. People from neighbouring houses appear to chase the man down the road. Nine people were injured in the incident, and a manhunt is now under way to catch the suspect.
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 15:55
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The difference between acid and alkaline
Police say the corrosive substance used in the Clapham attack was an alkaline. Acids and alkalis are two opposing groups of chemicals which are common in daily life, but which become highly corrosive the stronger they are. Andy Gregory reports:
Jane Dalton1 February 2024 15:30
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/clapham-acid-attack-london-lessar-avenue-b2488623.html
