Clapham chemical attack: ‘Dangerous’ suspect pictured at last known sighting with ‘significant injuries’ | follow manhunt live
Key points
- New image of suspect in last known sighting releasedEverything we know about the Clapham chemical attackWatch: CCTV shows moment of attack’My eyes, my eyes’: Witness describes screaming and blood on the ground Woman and child may have suffered ‘life-changing’ injuriesWhat is the law around corrosives?Live reporting by Bhvishya Patel
19:22:06 What have police said about the suspect?
As police continue to search for the suspect, here is what we know about him:
- Abdul Shokoor Ezedi is from Newcastle and 35-years-old;He was last spotted by a Tesco security camera at 8.48pm last night in Caledonian Road, north London;Ezedi could be heading back towards the Northumberland area;The car involved in the attack belonged to him;British Transport Police are assisting The Met and Northumberland Police with the manhunt.
18:50:40 Everything we know about Clapham chemical attack
With regular updates coming at pace throughout the day, here is a recap of everything we know so far.
‘Horrific’ attack
A woman, 31, and her two children, aged eight and three, were attacked with a corrosive alkaline substance in Lessar Avenue, Clapham, London, at around 7.30pm last night in what police have described as a “horrific” incident.
A witness told Sky News the woman screamed for help “my eyes, my eyes”, and that a man threw a small child to the floor twice, leaving blood on the ground.
All three remain in hospital, with the woman and the three-year-old said to have potentially life-changing injuries.
Another nine people were hurt during the incident, including five police officers who were injured as they responded.
Three women and a man attempted to stop the attacker and were also injured in the process, said Met Police Superintendent Gabriel Cameron.
Nationwide manhunt
The Met, Northumberland Police and the British Transport Police have launched a nationwide manhunt for suspect Abdul Ezedi, 35, believed to be from Newcastle, who police say “left the scene” of the incident.
He was last spotted by a Tesco security camera at 8.48pm last night in Caledonian Road, north London, with significant injuries to the right side of his face.
Superintendent Cameron said he may have been previously known to police.
18:07:21 New image of suspect in last known sighting released
Police have released a new image of a suspect being hunted over a chemical attack on a woman and two girls in south London.
The picture was taken of Abdul Shokoor Ezedi from a Tesco store at 8.48pm last night in Caledonian Road, north London, police said. It is the last known sighting of him.
Ezedi, 35, is believed to have purchased a bottle of water before leaving the shop and turning right, Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said.
“The image shows Ezedi with what appears to be significant injuries to the right side of his face. This makes him distinctive.
“If you see Ezedi, call 999 immediately. He should NOT be approached.”
A car involved in the attack belonged to Ezedi.
Police have confirmed that the substance used in the attack was an alkaline substance.
The 31-year-old woman and her three-year-old daughter, alongside her other daughter, aged eight, remain in hospital following the attack in Clapham last night.
17:50:01 Mechanic recognised suspect after he ‘tried to buy a car’
A mechanic in the Byker area of Newcastle said his boss recognised Abdul Ezedi as he had tried to buy a car from the business some months ago.
Michael Binks, 37, was shown a picture of the wanted man and said: “He tried to buy a car from us.
“As soon as my boss saw his picture on the news he recognised him.
“It’s a couple of months since we last saw him.”
Mr Binks thought the suspect was living at a nearby halfway house at the time.
17:29:08 Forces across country taking part in nationwide manhunt
Suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi is at the “centre of a nationwide manhunt”, says correspondent Ashna Hurynag.
“It is drawing in resources from across the country,” she said.
This includes the Met, Northumbria Police – he is believed to be from Newcastle – and the British Transport Police.
“A real nationwide effort to try and track down this suspect who is still on the run.”
17:11:32 London mayor calls for action on corrosive substances
The mayor of London has called the attack “truly shocking”.
“The impact is just awful,” Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4’s World at One, adding he was “truly proud” of those passers-by and police officers who came to the aid of the victims.
He said it must be made as difficult as possible to get hold of corrosive substances.
But while corrosive substances are deemed offensive weapons, many household products can cause huge damage, he added.
16:53:01 Heightened police presence where suspect last spotted
There is a heightened police presence on Caledonian Road, near Islington, north London, where Abdul Shokoor Ezedi was last seen.
Police said the suspect was spotted there – but they did not specify at what time – and warned the public to not approach him.
Unmarked cars with blue sirens could be seen dotted around the area this afternoon
Police vans also drove around the area.
The area is about eight miles from Lessar Avenue in Clapham, south London, where the attack happened.
16:30:16 ‘My eyes, my eyes’: Witness describes screaming and blood on the ground
The woman attacked with a corrosive substance in Clapham last night screamed “my eyes, my eyes”, a witness has told Sky News.
They said a man dragged a small child and “smashed them on the floor” twice, leaving blood on the ground.
“It was just crazy to be honest,” he said.
Watch his interview in full here…
16:15:01 Injuries to suspect’s face believed to be caused by corrosive substance
Significant injuries to the side of the suspect’s face are believed to have been caused by the corrosive chemical substance used in the incident last night, says correspondent Ashna Hurynag.
She said the victims, a 31-year-old woman and her daughters, aged eight and three, remain in hospital, with the woman and youngest daughter suffering injuries said to be potentially life-changing.
Resident’s described a “very distressing scene of chaos”, in Clapham yesterday, said Hurynag.
“There has been an incredible amount of grief and shock in this community because this is a very suburban street within south London.”
She said the family “were aided by members of the public who had come out of their houses”, dousing water on them.
One resident told Hurynag he chased a man fleeing the scene in his slippers, but failed to catch him.
15:44:50 Suspect may have been known to police
Abdul Shokoor Ezedi may have been known to police previously, the Metropolitan Police says.
“At this stage I believe he may have been known to police, but he’s not a local resident from London as far as I’m aware,” said Superintendent Gabriel Cameron.
“He’s come down from Newcastle,” he said.
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