In a shocking turn of events in south London, the mother who was severely injured in a chemical attack, alongside her two young daughters, has been revealed to have had a prior relationship with the suspected assailant. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that the motive behind this distressing incident could stem from the dissolution of their relationship, underscoring the personal nature of the attack.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Abdul Ezedi, has been the subject of an extensive manhunt following the attack, which occurred shortly after 7pm on January 31. Despite concerted efforts by law enforcement, Ezedi remains at large, with his last known whereabouts traced to the vicinity of the River Thames, based on his use of the Tube network and subsequent pedestrian movements.

The 31-year-old victim, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, is currently in a critical condition in hospital, facing the grim possibility of losing sight in her right eye. Due to her sedated state, she has yet to provide her account to the police. It has been reported that she had arranged to meet Ezedi on the day of the attack, unknowingly placing herself and her daughters, aged three and eight, in grave danger.

Commander Jon Savell, representing the Metropolitan Police, highlighted the potential link between the end of the couple’s relationship and the motive for the attack. This revelation adds a deeply personal dimension to the case, intensifying the urgency of apprehending Ezedi.

Ezedi, an Afghan national, is believed to have entered the UK in 2016. His criminal background includes a 2018 conviction for sexual assault and exposure, for which he received a suspended sentence and was mandated to register as a sex offender for a decade.

The Metropolitan Police have announced a £20,000 reward for information leading to Ezedi’s capture, in a bid to expedite their search. They have also released additional CCTV footage of Ezedi to aid in identifying his movements post-attack.

This incident has cast a spotlight on the devastating impacts of domestic violence and the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals. As the search for Ezedi continues, the police urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the option to report anonymously via Crimestoppers, in addition to the dedicated hotline established for this case.