The intensive manhunt for the suspect in the Clapham chemical attack, Abdul Ezedi, has entered its fifth day as Metropolitan Police officers continue their relentless efforts to locate the 35-year-old fugitive. A substantial reward of £20,000 has been offered to anyone providing information leading to his arrest.
The pursuit of Ezedi commenced last Wednesday, following a horrific attack in Clapham that left a 31-year-old woman with potentially life-changing injuries, while her two daughters, aged eight and three, also suffered harm. The woman, who was known to Ezedi, remains in a critical but stable condition in the hospital.
On Sunday, police revealed that the suspect used a “very strong concentrated corrosive substance” in the attack, further underlining the gravity of the incident. Investigators believe that individuals with knowledge of Ezedi’s whereabouts have not yet come forward, and the Metropolitan Police has issued a stern warning that anyone found aiding him will be subject to arrest.
Ezedi, originally from Newcastle, was last seen at 9:33 pm on January 31 at Tower Hill Underground station in East London, shortly after the Clapham attack occurred. Questions have arisen concerning Ezedi’s ability to remain in the UK, given his conviction for a sex offence. Despite two previous failed asylum attempts, he was eventually granted asylum.
According to police reports, Ezedi left Newcastle in the early hours of Wednesday and travelled south to London, reaching the Tooting area around 6:30 am. His vehicle was spotted again in Croydon, South London, at approximately 4:30 pm, and by 7 pm, he was in Streatham.
During the attack at 7:25 pm, Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground, attempted to flee in his vehicle, collided with a stationary vehicle, and then fled the scene on foot. Moments later, he boarded a Tube train at Clapham South Underground station, ultimately arriving at King’s Cross Tube station by 8 pm.
Three brave members of the public, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, who came to the aid of the family during the attack, have since been discharged from the hospital with minor burns. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Abdul Ezedi’s whereabouts to contact them immediately, emphasizing the significance of public cooperation in this ongoing investigation.
