The manhunt for Abdul Ezedi, the suspect in the Clapham chemical attack, has entered its seventh day with authorities intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend him. Ezedi, 35, is wanted by police after allegedly carrying out an alkaline attack targeting a mother and her two children in Clapham on January 31.
The attack, which occurred on Lessar Avenue opposite Clapham Common, left the mother with potentially life-changing injuries, alongside four other members of the public and five police officers who were injured in the incident.
Last Known Movements:
Police have pieced together Ezedi’s movements following the attack:
- 00:15: Ezedi’s vehicle was spotted in Newcastle.
- 06:30: His vehicle was seen travelling into Tooting, London.
- 16:30: Another sighting of his vehicle was confirmed in Croydon.
- 19:00: He was seen driving in Streatham.
- 19:25: The attack took place in Lessar Avenue, Clapham. Ezedi fled the scene in his vehicle, which later crashed nearby. He abandoned the car and escaped on foot.
- 19:33: Ezedi boarded a train at Clapham South Tube Station.
- 19:59: He was observed leaving the train at King’s Cross Tube Station.
- 20:42: Ezedi was seen on CCTV leaving Tesco at 21 Caledonian Rd.
- 21:00: He entered King’s Cross Tube Station and boarded a southbound Victoria Line tube.
- 21:10: Ezedi disembarked at Victoria Tube Station and headed towards the district line.
- 21:16: He boarded an eastbound District Line train.
- 21:33: Ezedi exited Tower Hill Tube Station.
The latest sighting of Ezedi was at 10:04 pm on January 31, heading towards Victoria Embankment. His movements around the Tube network have been tracked using his bank card, which has not been used since the day of the attack.
Injuries:
CCTV images obtained from the night of the attack show Ezedi with significant injuries to the right side of his face. Police have urged him to seek medical help and turn himself in.
Previous Convictions:
Ezedi has a prior conviction for a sexual offense in 2018, for which he received a suspended sentence and was placed on the sex offender register.
Relationship to Victim:
The 31-year-old victim, who sustained injuries in the attack, is believed to be known to Ezedi. However, police believe he is not the father of the children involved.
Immigration Status:
Ezedi, originally from Afghanistan, was granted asylum in 2020 despite his previous conviction. He claimed to have converted to Christianity to support his asylum bid.
Manhunt:
The manhunt for Ezedi is being led by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, with support from forces across the UK. A reward of £20,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Appeal for Information:
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met’s 24/7 hotline on 020 7175 2784 or call 999 for immediate sightings. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.
