Manhunt for Suspect in Acid Attack in Clapham

Police Forces join Nationwide Search for Suspect

Three of the UK’s most prominent police forces are leading a nationwide manhunt for a suspect accused of an acid attack on a mother and her two young daughters in south London. If you have any information or see the suspect, Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, do not approach him, but immediately call the emergency number 999.

Details of the Clapham Attack

The Metropolitan Police initiated an investigation after multiple individuals were injured by a “corrosive substance.” The attack took place on Lessar Avenue near Clapham Common at 19:25. The victims, a 31-year-old woman and her two daughters aged three and eight, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Eyewitnesses described hearing the woman scream, “I can’t see. I can’t see.” People in the area quickly came to their aid, even as five police officers and four members of the public were injured in the process. The suspect attempted to flee the scene in a car but crashed into a parked vehicle and then escaped on foot towards Clapham Common.

Identifying the Clapham Suspect

The suspect in the Clapham attack has been identified as Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, a 35-year-old man. Born in Afghanistan, Ezedi arrived in the UK in 2016 and was later granted asylum. He is believed to reside in Newcastle and traveled to London on the day of the attack. In 2018, Ezedi was convicted of “sexual assault/exposure” and received a suspended prison sentence. After completing the sentence and probation in 2020, he was no longer under supervision. Ezedi’s asylum application was initially rejected twice but granted on the third attempt in 2021 or 2022, after he claimed to have converted to Christianity and expressed fear for his safety if he were to return to Afghanistan. The exact relationship between Ezedi and the injured family is still being investigated.

Last Known Sighting of the Clapham Suspect

The Metropolitan Police released a recent image of Ezedi’s last known sighting approximately 70 minutes after the attack. The photo was taken inside a Tesco Express on Caledonian Road, Islington, around 5.4 miles away from the attack site. Ezedi was seen purchasing a bottle of water before departing from the store. Notably, the image shows “significant injuries” to the right side of his face, making him easily identifiable.

Status of the Clapham Attack Victims

Twelve individuals were injured in the Clapham attack. The mother and her two young daughters, who were the primary targets, remain in the hospital with substantial burns. While their conditions are not life-threatening, the injuries could potentially be life-changing. The responding police officers and three women who came to the family’s aid have been treated and discharged with minor burns. An additional male bystander declined hospital treatment for minor injuries.

Police Efforts to Apprehend the Clapham Suspect

Ezedi’s current whereabouts and actions following the Tesco sighting are unknown. However, there has been an increased police presence in the Islington and Newcastle areas. Officers are urging residents and drivers in and around Clapham to check any doorbell or dash cameras for potential footage of the suspect fleeing the scene. Various police forces are collaborating in the search, including the British Transport Police (BTP) and Northumbria Police, as Ezedi is known to reside in that region. Law enforcement is utilizing CCTV footage, contacting friends and relatives, and disseminating information to all forces in order to locate and apprehend the suspect.

Conclusion

The nationwide search for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, the suspect in the Clapham acid attack, continues as police forces intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend him. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information to the authorities. The victims of the attack are receiving medical care, and investigators are diligently working to establish the exact circumstances and relationship between the suspect and the injured family. The collaboration between multiple police forces demonstrates the united front to combat criminal activity and ensure public safety.

Read More of this Story at www.bbc.com – 2024-02-02 08:32:09

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