Clapham chemical attack: Cops make arrest in hunt for fugitive Abdul Shokoor Ezedi & say victim may lose her sight
Cops said the suspect used a very common but dangerous substance on the attack
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of “assisting offender” in hunt for fugitive Abdul Shokoor Ezedi.
The Metropolitan Police are still on the hunt to catch fugitive Ezedi, 35, after he allegedly attacked a mum and her two kids with a corrosive liquid on Wednesday.
He also allegedly tried to run a woman over before twice slamming her three-year-old daughter on the ground “like a rag doll”.
Ezedi is believed to have tracked his victim down to the two-star Clapham South Belvedere Hotel, where the council had put her up with her daughters, aged three and eight.
A 31-year-old woman is now at risk to lose her sight in her right eye after the horrifying attack.
Her daughters, aged eight and three, were also hurt but have since been discharged from hospital.
The Met Police said lab tests have identified the liquid as either caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) or washing soda (sodium carbonate).
Both caustic soda – also known as lye – and washing soda are typically used to clear blocked drains.
Cops have now arrested and bailed a 22-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Counter-terrorism officers are helping sift through CCTV as part of the massive manhunt for the 35-year-old following the horror attack in Clapham, south London.
Detectives believe he is currently hidden by someone or has come to harm.
It comes after cops released new details about Ezedi’s movements in a statement announcing a £20,000 reward for information.
The latest confirmed sighting is now on Southwark Bridge at 9.50pm on Wednesday.
Manhunt cops are urging people not to approach “dangerous” fugitive Ezedi.
Commander Jon Savell of the Metropolitan Police said: “I am hugely grateful to the public for the significant number of calls that we have received.
“Your help is critical. A reward of up to £20,000 is now available for information leading to his arrest.
“I must warn anyone who is helping Ezedi to evade capture – if you are harbouring or assisting him then you will be arrested.”
Ezedi’s sightings were also confirmed when he left Tower Hill Underground station at 9.33pm on Wednesday.
He had changed trains at Victoria, where he arrived on the Victoria Line at 9.10pm.
He got on the eastbound District Line at 9.16pm before getting off at Tower Hill.
Manhunt cops believe that people who know where Ezedi is have not come forward – warning that anyone helping him faces arrest.
It comes as…
- Cops raid a home in the search for fugitive Abdul Ezedi
- A woman was left with “burns to both eyeballs” after tackling the fugitive
- The suspect’s relative says Ezedi was in a relationship with his victim
- A hero mum ignored her own injuries to save her daughters
- Officers in hazmat suits smash down doors in the hunt for Ezedi
- ‘Dangerous’ Ezedi is revealed as a convicted sex offender
FAMILY APPEAL
Manhunt cops are urging people not to approach “dangerous” fugitive Ezedi.
One of Ezedi’s relatives has now told that the suspect was in a relationship with the mum.
The relative said they would hand Ezedi into cops themselves if they had to.
It comes after Ezedi’s distraught brother Hassan urged the chemical attack suspect to give himself up.
Ezedi is believed to have tracked his victim down to the two-star Clapham South Belvedere Hotel, where the council had put her up with her daughters, aged three and eight.
Members of the public and cops were also burned as they rushed to the family’s aid.
A 22-year-old man who has stayed in the Belvedere Hotel for three months said he saw the woman flee into the reception and scream for help after the chilling attack.
Earlier this week it revealed that Ezedi arrived in the UK in a lorry and failed to claim asylum.
However, he then converted to Christianity and was accepted on his third attempt with a priest as a character witness.
Ezedi pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual assault and one of exposure before he was granted asylum, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed.
Any members of the public who can help with information or material regarding Wednesday’s incident should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.
To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Everything we know about Ezedi
What were Ezedi’s last known movements?
Manhunt cops say Ezedi’s car was seen in Newcastle at quarter past midnight on Wednesday.
By 6.30am the car was seen travelling into Tooting, south west London.
A further sighting of his car was confirmed in Croydon at 4.30pm and Ezedi was seen driving in Streatham at 7pm.
The attack on a 31-year-old woman, and her daughters, aged three and eight, took place in Lessar Avenue in Clapham at 7.25pm that night.
The mum is believed to be known to Ezedi, cops said.
Ezedi made off in his car but it crashed nearby. He then left the vehicle and ran off.
At 7.33pm Ezedi boarded a Northern line train at Clapham South Tube station.
Ezedi got off at King’s Cross just before 8pm.
He was seen on CCTV leaving a Tesco Express at 21 Caledonian Road, near King’s Cross, and turning right.
The suspect had significant facial injuries and is believed to have bought a bottle of water.
Ezedi re-entered King’s Cross Tube station at 9pm and boarded a southbound Victoria line train.
The suspect has not been seen since.
Does Ezedi have a criminal record?
Ezedi was convicted of a sexual offence in 2018 and given a suspended sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed he was sentenced on January 9 of that year after pleading guilty to one charge of sexual assault and one of exposure.
He was put on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
Why was Ezedi given asylum in the UK?
Ezedi was granted asylum in 2020 on his third attempt – after he was convicted of the sex offence.
He reportedly arrived in the UK on the back of a lorry in 2016 and claimed to have converted to Christianity to back up his asylum bid.
A priest told the Telegraph that Ezedi had converted to Christianity and was “wholly committed” to his new religion.
What happened to Ezedi’s face?
CCTV from Wednesday night shows Ezedi with what police have described as very “significant injuries to the right side of his face”.
Met Police Commander Jon Savell addressed him directly, saying: “Abdul, you clearly have got some very significant injuries.
“We’ve seen the images. You need some medical help, so do the right thing and hand yourself in.”
