London police are investigating a “corrosive substance” attack that left nine people, including two young children, injured on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detective Superintendent Alexander Castle said that a woman and her two young children were injured in the attack. Three officers and three adult members of the public also sustained injuries after coming to the victims’ aid.
Lambeth police said Thursday they were looking to speak to a man identified as Abdul Shokoor Ezedi in regard to the attack. Police warned not to approach Ezedi. The last confirmed sighting of Ezedi was in Tesco, a U.K.-based grocery store chain, on Caledonian Road, N1 at 8.48 last night, local time, according to police.
“Ezedi is believed to have purchased a bottle of water. He left the shop and turned right,” Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said,
In a new image of Ezedi, released by police, he appears to have significant injuries to the right side of his face. Authorities did not say if the facial injuries are connected to the substance attack.
Police guard the area after nine people were hurt when a suspected corrosive substance was thrown at them in Clapham, south London, Jan. 31, 2024.
Marcin Nowak/LNP via Shutterstock
Police were called to Lessar Avenue, SW4 — near the Clapham neighborhood of South London — just before 7:30 p.m. when the woman and two children were injured by the “corrosive substance,” which is currently being tested, according to Castle.
“We will update as soon as we know more about their conditions,” Castle said in a release. “Three police officers have also been taken to hospital after they responded to the incident. Thankfully we believe their injuries to be minor.”
So far, no arrests have been made but police are investigating a man who was allegedly seen “fleeing the scene,” according to Castle.
“Last night’s incident in Clapham is truly shocking,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on X. “My thoughts are with all those who have been injured, especially the woman and two children who remain in hospital.”
“We are drawing on resources from across the Met to apprehend this individual and work is ongoing to determine what has led to this awful incident,” he said.
MET Police report that the National Police Air Service is assisting in the investigation. Authorities ask that any members of the public who can help provide information or material should call 999 in the United Kingdom immediately.
ABC News’ Will Gretsky and Mike Trew contributed to this report.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/children-9-injured-corrosive-substance-attack-london/story?id=106846204
