- Suspect’s injuries potentially fatal
- £20,000 reward offered
- Victim’s condition life-altering
Abdul Ezedi, who has not been taken to a hospital, was last seen at 11 p.m. on the night of the attack in southwest London, crossing Vauxhall Bridge and continuing to walk onto Grosvenor Road. He has been at large since, according to the police.
Since he was last seen crossing London’s Vauxhall Bridge at 11 p.m. and then strolling along the River Thames on the evening of the incident, police have stated that the suspect in the Clapham chemical attack could suffer “fatal” injuries if his wounds are not treated.
A week after the attack, officers reported that the female victim, aged 31, is still sedated in the hospital and “unable to speak” due to “significant injuries.”
Detectives are investigating the assault as an attempted murder of the woman.
The prosecution has deemed Abdul Shokoor Ezedi “dangerous” and has offered a reward of £20,000 for information leading to his capture.
The leader of the manhunt, Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart, stated that his injuries “appear to be extremely severe” and “could be fatal if not treated.”
Hospitals continue to be on high alert, as he has not visited any hospital, according to Mr. Sewart.
Officers reported that their CCTV investigations into the evening of the attack had progressed to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, at which time the suspect was observed crossing Vauxhall Bridge and proceeding towards Grosvenor Road.
Since the attack on Lessar Avenue near Clapham Common a week ago, which involved a corrosive alkaline substance (either liquid sodium hydroxide or liquid sodium carbonate), he has been missing.
Police have stated that the injured mother was in a relationship with her alleged assailant.
Investigators further speculated that the distressing assault could have been motivated by the dissolution of the relationship.
They stated that she and her children were in a vehicle with Ezedi on the day of the attack, and that she had agreed to meet him that day.
Twelve individuals were injured, including the mother and her two daughters, aged eight and three. It is believed that the mother’s injuries will be “life-altering,” and she may lose sight in her right eye.
Her two children are not fathered by Ezedi; both have been discharged from the hospital.
Police suspect he has received assistance from others in order to evade detection.
On Monday, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Later released on bail, he was apprehended while law enforcement continues their investigation.
In Newcastle, where Ezedi resided, detectives from Northumbria Police and British Transport Police have assisted the Metropolitan Police in their pursuit of him.
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Investigators remain open to the possibility that Ezedi drowned after jumping into the river.
Over a hundred officers have been assigned to assist with the investigation.
For information, please contact the Metropolitan Police’s 24-hour hotline at 020 7175 2784 or, in the event of an immediate sighting, dial 999.
Ezedi has been previously advised by the police not to be approached.
The police are examining Ezedi’s mobile phone, which was found in the vehicle involved in the incident, in an effort to determine his connection to the victim.
However, the fact that he no longer possesses it complicates the search for him.
It is believed that Ezedi, who originated from Afghanistan, entered the United Kingdom in 2016.
After pleading guilty to sexual assault and exposure in January 2018, he was sentenced to a suspended term at Newcastle Crown Court, in addition to being formally registered as a sex offender and required to complete 200 hours of community service.
Despite his conviction, he was granted asylum in the United Kingdom, amid claims that a tribunal judge was influenced by a cleric who testified he had converted to Christianity and was “completely devoted” to his new faith.
The Church of England diocese of Newcastle confirmed on Tuesday that “no evidence” had been found that Ezedi “attended any of our churches” or “had any asylum application supported by our clergy.”
Darius Nasimi from the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association urged any community member who might be able to assist him to contact the police.
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