Police have resumed their search for Abdul Ezedi, a suspect in an alkali attack on his ex-partner and her two young children, after he was believed to have gone into the River Thames. Marine police teams have been scouring the Chelsea Bridge area in central London in hopes of locating him.
The search operation began on Saturday and has intensified as investigators continue their efforts to locate Ezedi. Although the bodies of two men were discovered in the river on Saturday, neither of them matched the description of Ezedi.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that one body was found near HMS Belfast, while the other was discovered in Limehouse. Both deaths are being treated as unexpected, pending further investigation.
Ezedi, who is accused of pouring a strong alkali on his ex-partner and injuring her two young children, has been the subject of an extensive manhunt since the incident on January 31 in Clapham. Detectives believe he may have entered the river after being captured on CCTV footage leaning over the railings of Chelsea Bridge.
Commander Jon Savell of the Metropolitan Police stated, “We have spent the last 24 hours meticulously following the CCTV, and it’s our main working hypothesis that he’s now gone into the water.” Despite the ongoing search efforts, authorities acknowledge that Ezedi’s body may never be recovered due to the fast-flowing current in the river.
Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart added, “I’m prepared to say that he’s gone into the water and if he’s gone into the water then that’s the most probable outcome.”
Ezedi’s last-known movements have been traced from the Tower Hill area, where he walked approximately four miles to Chelsea Bridge. CCTV footage captured him walking near Vauxhall Bridge at 11pm on January 31, just hours after the attack.
The investigation into the alkali attack remains ongoing, with the victim still in critical condition in hospital. Ezedi, who is not the father of the injured children, sustained significant facial injuries during the incident.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information regarding Ezedi’s whereabouts, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.