Police have initiated a search in the River Thames for the body of Abdul Ezedi, the prime suspect in a chemical attack in Clapham. The search commenced shortly after low tide at 8:50 am, with a boat seen circling near Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges.
Detectives leading the investigation now believe that Ezedi may be deceased, as CCTV footage captured him leaning over the railings of Chelsea Bridge on the night of the attack. Ezedi, who had been on the run for 10 days, is suspected to have entered the water a few hours after the assault in Clapham.
The attack, which resulted in injuries to Ezedi’s ex-partner and her daughters aged three and eight, left a total of 12 individuals wounded. A manhunt had been underway after CCTV images showed Ezedi with severe injuries in various locations across London. Police had cautioned the public against approaching him, but analysis by a behavioural psychologist now suggests that Ezedi may have taken his own life.
Commander Jon Savell emphasized the challenges of locating Ezedi’s body in the Thames, citing the strong currents and hazards in the river. He stated, “It is quite likely that if he has gone in the water, he won’t appear for maybe up to a month and it’s not beyond possibility that he may never actually surface.”
The injuries sustained by Ezedi’s ex-partner are described as “life-changing,” and she remains hospitalized, unable to communicate due to her condition. There are concerns that she may lose sight in one eye as a result of the attack.
The last known sighting of Ezedi was on Chelsea Bridge just before 11:30 pm on the night of the assault, adding to the complexity of the ongoing investigation.
