Manhunt Intensifies for Acid Attack Suspect in Clapham
The hunt for Abdul Ezedi, 35, an Afghan asylum seeker accused of dousing a mother and her two young daughters with corrosive liquid in south London’s Clapham, is now in its fifth day. Tensions are mounting as a former counter-terror chief hints Ezedi could already be dead.
Mother Injured, Children Treated After Horrific Attack
The Metropolitan Police have been relentless in tracking Ezedi following the brutal assault. The mother remains in critical but stable condition, suffering potentially life-changing injuries. Her daughters, aged three and eight, were treated for burns and have since been released from hospital.
Counter-Terror Expert Says Suspect May Have Taken Own Life
Nick Aldworth, ex-national counter-terrorism co-ordinator, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “If we haven’t seen or heard from him in the last couple of days, which appears to be the case, he’s gone to ground, possibly supported by somebody… or it’s not unlikely that he may have taken his own life. There is therefore a body to be found somewhere.”
Last Seen at Tower Hill Tube – £20,000 Reward Offered
Ezedi was last spotted at 9.33pm on January 31 at Tower Hill Underground station, shortly after the attack. Commander Jon Savell confirmed the police are piecing together his movements using CCTV, a tactic proven useful in past manhunts.
The authorities have slapped a £20,000 reward on his head. Police suspect some locals know where Ezedi is hiding but refuse to come forward. Anyone caught helping him will face immediate arrest, officers warn.
Questions Raised Over Asylum and Past Convictions
Ezedi, who previously had two failed asylum bids and a sexual offence conviction, has sparked fierce scrutiny over how he was allowed to stay in the UK. The Home Office is probing this deeply. Meanwhile, police are investigating whether organised crime groups are shielding him.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This issue is being looked into by the Home Office. People with criminal records should not be allowed to stay in the country.”
Nation on Edge as Search Goes On
Ezedi, who claims to have converted to Christianity, remains at large despite efforts by multiple law enforcement teams. Police urge him to surrender for medical help and cooperate with the investigation.
With public safety hanging in the balance, authorities call on everyone to stay alert and report any information to bring this chilling case to a swift close.
