Chemical attack cops give possible motive as they say injuries could be fatal

07 February 2024 , 16:23

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Abdul Ezedi is on the run after the attack (Image: PA)

The chemical attack suspect's facial injuries may be fatal, police have warned as a manhunt for Abdul Ezedi continues.

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed today the 35-year-old sex offender was last seen crossing Vauxhall Bridge at 11pm and then walking beside River Thames on the night of the incident. It is thought if Ezedi doesn't get treatment for his "significant facial injury", it could be fatal.

Officers said the 31-year-old mother Ezedi allegedly attacked in Clapham, south London, is still sedated in hospital and is "too poorly to speak" due to her "significant injuries". The attack was being treated as attempted murder, Met Police added today - one week on from the horror - and it is understood a possible motive for this was the breakdown of their relationship.

A £20,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest of Ezedi, who is said to have travelled 280 miles from Newcastle to London on Wednesday January 31 to douse the mum with an alkaline.

But Ezedi has not been to hospital, police say, and hospitals remain on high alert. Latest CCTV shows Ezedi cross Vauxhall Bridge and walk on to Grosvenor Road in central London at 11pm on the night of the attack.

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Twelve people were injured in the ordeal, including the mother, and her two daughters, aged three and eight. The mother's injuries are thought to be "life-changing". The mother's children have left hospital, though the mum continues to receive treatment.

The sex offender was caught on CCTV in City of London at 9.47pm on the night of the attack (Met Police)

Metropolitan Police released this photo of Ezedi last week (Metropolitan Police/AFP via Gett)

Speaking to the press today, Commander Jon Savell, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "There is a strong indication that the motive was they were in a relationship and that relationship had broken down." He told journalists that the massive manhunt for Ezedi is "an incredibly high priority attempted murder investigation". Turning to potential motives, he said: "They were in a relationship and that relationship had broken down."

Police believe Ezedi has received help from others to stay undetected. A 22-year-old man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender. He was taken into custody and later released on bail as police continued to investigate.

The Metropolitan Police manhunt for Ezedi has been assisted by the British Transport Police and officers with Northumbria Police in Newcastle, where he lived. A team of more than 100 officers has been dedicated to the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Met's 24/7 hotline on 020 7175 2784 - or for an immediate sighting dial 999. Police have previously warned Ezedi could be dangerous and should not be approached.

Ezedi and the mum were in a relationship, a close relative of the suspect had told Sky News. However, police have yet to confirm what they believe was his motive last week. Officers are, though, analysing Ezedi's mobile phone, which was found in the car involved in the incident.

Police dashed to the scene last Wednesday night (PA)

Meanwhile, a Baptist church in Tyne and Wear has confirmed it is aware of a “connection” it had with the suspect in last week’s chemical attack in London.

In a statement, the church in Jarrow said: “Grange Road Baptist Church brings together and welcomes people from all walks of life and from many different nations.

“We are aware of the connection Abdul Shakoor Ezedi has had with our church. As soon as we became aware of the current situation, we made contact with and are co-operating with the relevant authorities. We are praying for all those affected by the situation.”

Baptists Together, a movement of which the Grange Road church is a part, said it is “fully aware of the questions being asked of our churches surrounding Abdul Shokoor Ezedi and broader queries around supporting asylum seekers”.

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They said: “Whenever anyone, asylum seeker or otherwise, explores Christian faith in a Baptist church, due care will be taken to ensure those wanting to profess Christian faith understand the deep commitment they are making and specifically the need to turn away from wrongdoing and seek to follow Christ in his ways of love.”

Bradley Jolly