Police have provided an update on the Clapham chemical attack, revealing that the suspect is still at large and the victim remains hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident, which the authorities are treating as attempted murder, occurred a week ago on Lessar Avenue near Clapham Common. The victim, a 31-year-old woman, is said to be “too poorly to speak” due to her significant injuries. Meanwhile, the suspect, Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, has not sought medical attention, despite visible injuries to his face, heightening concerns about his wellbeing.
Authorities have allocated significant resources to apprehend Ezedi, with a reward of £20,000 on offer for information leading to his arrest. Police have described him as “dangerous” and have urged the public not to approach him. Detectives have traced his movements on the night of the attack through CCTV footage, revealing that he was last seen crossing Vauxhall Bridge at 11pm before proceeding along the river. The manhunt has been further supported by British Transport Police and officers from Northumbria Police in Newcastle, where Ezedi lived prior to the incident.
Investigators have discovered that the victim was previously in a relationship with Ezedi. They suspect that the breakdown of their relationship may have motivated the harrowing attack. It is reported that she had voluntarily agreed to meet him on the fateful day, and she, along with her two young daughters, were in a car with Ezedi when the assault occurred. As a result, twelve people were injured in total, with the mother sustaining life-changing injuries that may result in the loss of her right eye. Although Ezedi is not the father of the children, both girls have since been discharged from the hospital.
Authorities believe that Ezedi has received assistance from others to remain undetected. Earlier this week, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender. However, he was subsequently released on bail as investigations continue. Police have been unable to locate Ezedi’s mobile phone, which was found in the car involved in the incident. The absence of the device presents a significant challenge in establishing the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the victim.
The Clapham chemical attack has raised concerns about public safety, with police warning the public to remain vigilant. Ezedi’s presence in the community is a cause for alarm, considering his potential to cause harm. While the police have not ruled out the possibility that Ezedi may have fled or even jumped in the river, they are keeping an open mind regarding his fate, including the possibility of his demise.
Law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Ezedi. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police’s 24/7 hotline at 020 7175 2784. In case of an immediate sighting, dial 999. As the investigation intensifies, police are delving into Ezedi’s background and past actions. Born in Afghanistan, he is understood to have arrived in the UK in 2016. In January 2018, Ezedi received a suspended sentence from Newcastle Crown Court for sexual assault and exposure charges, which also required him to be listed as a sex offender and perform unpaid work.
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