Chemical attack hero 'burnt both her eyeballs' as she tackled man hurling liquid

04 February 2024 , 08:11

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Abdul Ezedi remains on the run after a chemical attack in Clapham, South London, on Wednesday (Image: PA)

A bystander who ran to intervene during the Clapham chemical attack helping a woman and her two daughters escape ended up with "burns to both eyeballs", her partner has claimed.

The Good Samaritan, a woman in her 50s, bravely "rugby tackled" the attacker to the ground but was left with the horrifying injuries, her partner has told. They spoke out as wanted Abdul Ezedi remains on the run this weekend after the attack on Wednesday night which has left a 31-year-old mother in hospital with suspected life-changing injuries.

The victim's two daughters, aged three and eight, were also hospitalised after the corrosive alkaline substance was thrown. Ezedi, 35, also allegedly tried to run the woman over before slamming her daughter on the ground in the attack, before crashing his car and fleeing on foot.

Some 12 people were doused with the unspecified liquid in Wednesday's attack, including five police officers. The partner of the woman who charged at the assailant to help out told the Sunday Times: “We had no idea any substance was involved; only that the guy was clearly intent on hurting the [three-year-old].

“He then went to pick the child up off the road to do it [throw the child to the ground] again, which is when my partner lunged in and tackled him, grabbing his leg and falling to the ground in the process like a rugby tackle.” The woman was left with "burnt eyeballs" as a result of the attack, and has been receiving specialist help every day.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

The woman's partner said, were it not for their intervention, the child would "no longer be with us" and that the families injuries would have been "far worse" had their other neighbours not immediately washed them down. The Metropolitan Police are still searching for Ezedi, a convicted sex offender from Newcastle, with the National Crime Agency also now joining the hunt.

A 31-year-old woman was left with 'life-changing injuries' in Wednesday's attack (Marcin Nowak/LNP)

Police released new footage on Saturday of a raid being carried out at a house in Newcastle - one of five in London and the North East searched - in which empty containers with corrosive warning labels were discovered. Forensic tests are now being carried out on the containers to see if they were the same used in the attack.

Ezedi is on the Sex Offenders Register after he was sentenced at Newcastle crown court in 2018 for sexual assault and exposure. At the time, he was given a suspended nine-week and 36-week prison sentence, both to be served consecutively.

Shortly after the attack at around 7.25pm on Wednesday Ezedi was seen boarding a Northern Line service at Clapham South Tube station, getting off at King's Cross shortly before 8pm. He is believed to have a significant facial injury, shown in CCTV released to the public.

Police have released footage of a container with corrosive warning labels seized from a property in Newcastle during raids

Met Police Commander Jon Savell said: “Abdul Ezedi was last seen at King's Cross Underground Station at 9pm on Wednesday, 31 January, where he boarded a Victoria Line train travelling southbound. The police investigation to establish his subsequent movements and ultimately locate him is continuing at pace.

“I want to thank everyone who has contacted police to share what they know. We have received dozens of calls with information, including possible sightings, and every single piece of information has been recorded and forms part of our ongoing investigation.

“I can assure the public that my colleagues and I are fully committed to using every available tool and tactic for as long as it takes to find Abdul Ezedi. I am today urging the public to remain vigilant and to contact police immediately if they may have seen Ezedi or have information about him.

“I would also like to reiterate that if you see Ezedi, you should call 999 immediately. He should NOT be approached." Anyone with information about Abdul Ezedi is asked to call 020 7175 2784 or for an immediate sighting dial 999.

Susie Beever