Police searching for Clapham attacker Abdul Ezedi find corpse in River Thames
Met Police officers searching the River Thames for Clapham chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi have found a body.
On January 31, Ezedi hurled a corrosive chemical at a woman he had been in a relationship with, and her two children. The 35-year-old suffered severe burns of his attack which affected eight people in total. Ezedi then went on to criss-cross London, last being seen near Chelsea Bridge.
Earlier this month, on February 9, police revealed they thought that Ezedi had jumped into the Thames around four hours after the attack which had involved an alkaline substance.
Today, police confirmed that the body found was “strongly” believed that they had found his body. The body was recovered by the Met’s Marine Policing Unit and has been viewed by detectives working on the investigation.
Commander Jon Savell said: "Based on the distinctive clothing he was wearing at the time of the attack and property found on his body, we strongly believe we have recovered the body of Ezedi. We have been in contact with his family to pass on the news.
Man 'throws corrosive liquid' at mum and kids as heroes injured in carnage
"As you may expect after a considerable period of time in the strong current of the Thames, formal identification is not possible visually, nor from fingerprints. We will work with the coroner on other ways to complete formal identification, such as DNA testing and dental records. That may take some time."
The body was first spotted around 4pm on Monday 19 February by the crew of a passing boat, near Tower Pier. Police said their enquiries into the attack were still continuing and that they still hope to speak to the mother as soon as she is well enough.
Ezedi is believed to have jumped into the Thames around four hours after the attack (Metropolitan Police/AFP via Gett)
Ezedi suffered horrific injuries during his own attack and walked around London afterwards (PA)Police previously said that the mum had suffered potentially "life-changing" injuries but today confirmed that her condition has improved. On the day of the attack, Ezedi drove from Newcastle down to London before the horrific incident itself took place shortly before 7.30pm.
The Afghan refugee had arranged to meet the mum, and tried to drive away, but crashed his car so fled on foot. His last movements placed him close to Chelsea Bridge on CCTV, just before 11.30pm. He was seen heading towards it, crossing over it, and into Battersea Park, before around 11.27pm he crossed back over.
Police conducted searches around Chelsea Bridge but the body turned up miles downriver (PA)In the aftermath of the horrific attack, a nation-wide manhunt was launched, with a team of 100 officers continuing the hunt within London as other forces were drafted in too. Police raided two properties in Newcastle, including a Best Bites pizza shop where Ezedi is thought to have worked.
Police previously described how Ezedi's "demeanour" was said to have changed when he walked over Chelsea Bridge. Commander Savell said: "When he gets to Chelsea Bridge, his demeanour appears to change. I would describe him previously as walking sort of purposefully, as if he knew where he was going and he was walking at a reasonable pace.
The distance from Chelsea Bridge - where Ezedi is thought to have gone in - to where the body was found (Google)"As he gets onto Chelsea Bridge, he does cross the bridge more than once. And then when he gets back to the centre, he appears to be moving from the railings back to the pavement and looking over the edge of the railings. So a distinct change in how he's been moving about."
On February 10 and 11, officers from the Marine Policing Unit carried out a number of low tied searches in the areas around Chelsea Bridge. Despite that, and routine searches since, his body turned up miles away down river.
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