A manhunt is underway for a fugitive with "significant injuries to the face" following a chemical attack on a mum and her two children.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, of Metropolitan Police, said that three forces are now searching for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, 35, as he addressed the media from the scene near Clapham Common in south London, and warned people not to approach him. He is wanted after a man allegedly threw a corrosive substance over a 31-year-old mum and her two children, aged three and eight, on a residential street on Wednesday at around 7.30pm.
“We are now naming the man we want to speak to as Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, who is aged 35. We believe he travelled down from Newcastle earlier that day," said Superintendent Cameron. “We don’t know yet what led to it. We’re working to establish the circumstances. A manhunt to trace Ezedi is under way. We are working with partner agencies and forces including the British Transport Police to locate and arrest him. If you see Ezedi, call 999 immediately. He should not be approached."
The mum, who is known to the assailant, and her youngest child remain in hospital with "life-changing injuries". Others received care in hospital too, including Good Samaritans who rushed to help the trio when the fracas started. Sickening footage has emerged of a man ramming a car into a person.
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Abdul Shokoor Ezedi (Met Police)Superintendent Cameron, a senior officer who polices in Lambeth, continued: "Firstly, I want to acknowledge the considerable public concern following this terrible incident, and update on the injuries suffered by the victims.
"The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters - aged eight and three - all remain in hospital. While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be.
"I am sure the public will join me in saying they are in our thoughts and we wish them the fullest possible recovery. Three women - two in their 30s and one in her 50s – who were injured when they bravely came to the aid of the family, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries he suffered.
"Five officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and have left hospital. All these members of the public, and my officers, deserve enormous recognition and praise for coming to the aid of this woman and children in what must have been a terrifying scenario. We will provide them with all the support we can.
A "corrosive substance" was thrown during the attack in Clapham, which was described by the fire brigade as a "chemical incident". (No credit)"I also want to commend nearby hotel staff after victims and officers sought refuge and water there following the incident. We were called to Lessar Avenue, SW4 at about 19:25hrs on Wednesday, 31 January.
"It was reported that a man had thrown a child to the ground and that a substance - which we now know to be alkaline - had been thrown. The man attempted to make off in a car but collided with a stationary vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.
"We believe the man and woman are known to each other. Our investigation is in its early stages and we are working to establish why this awful incident has happened.
"Officers from across the Met are working with partner agencies and forces to locate and arrest the man. While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him. We will release more information about him as soon as we can.
"Any members of the public who saw what happened can help us by calling 101quoting reference CAD 7790/31Jan. I also urge local people and drivers to check their doorbell and dash cameras for any footage that might have captured a man fleeing the area, and to please contact us immediately.
An investigation continues in London (PA)"An extensive crime scene is in place and is likely to remain in place for some time. I thank colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the National Police Air Service who also assisted last night.
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"I don't underestimate the impact this news will have had on the local community. My officers are in the area carrying out patrols and I urge you to speak to them if you have any information or concerns you want to share."
The horror happened outside Clapham South Belvedere Hotel, which said that at 7.25pm last night "police and ambulance services were called to attend a serious incident in which guests at the Belvedere Hotel were a victim". It's not clear which people caught up in last night's attack were guests of the hotel.
A statement continues: “Belvedere Hotel staff, having supported the work of the emergency services, provided assistance to the guests affected and sought to reassure other hotel guests as to their safety and wellbeing.
"The staff team will continue to provide assistance to guests and the police going forward. As this is an ongoing police investigation, we are not able to provide any further comment. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected."
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