Clapham chemical attack suspect's escape mapped - moving 7 miles in 83 minutes

01 February 2024 , 19:55

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Clapham chemical attack suspect's escape mapped - moving 7 miles in 83 minutes

The alleged Clapham chemical attacker travelled seven miles in just 83 minutes after fleeing the scene on foot.

Police released a CCTV grab of suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, 35, at a Tesco on Caledonian Road in Islington at 8.48pm - with the attack occurring at around 7.25pm in Lessar Avenue, Clapham, yesterday. A woman, aged 31, and her two daughters, aged eight and three, remain in hospital following the attack on Lessar Avenue, Clapham. There are fears the woman and younger child's injuries could be life-changing.

Three other women, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, who bravely came to the family's aid, have been released from hospital with minor burn injuries, while a man in his 50s also helped but declined hospital treatment. He suffered minor injuries. Five police officers were also injured as they responded and have all been treated and have left hospital.

Click here for the Mirror's live blog on the chemical attack

Police have released a CCTV grab of suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi

The latest image shows Ezedi with a severe burn wound on his face. He is understood to have bought a bottle of water at the supermarket before leaving, with the Met warning people not to approach him but instead call 999 immediately. Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police are assisting the Metropolitan Police with the manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to have travelled from Newcastle to the capital.

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Officers have also confirmed a car involved in the attack belonged to Ezedi, while the substance used in the attack was alkaline. The assailant is said to have fled on foot and, though members of the public tried to stop him, he remains on the loose today. A witness said the act by Clapham South Belvedere Hotel was "the worst thing (he'd) seen" as he reportedly threw the youngest child - aged just three - from a car to the ground twice and then hurled a substance at the mum who was heard to scream "my eyes". The mum and the suspect know each other, police understand.

Superintendent Gabriel Cameron told reporters today: "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.

He continued: "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. I thank colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the National Police Air Service who also assisted last night.

Three police forces are involved in the manhunt (Met Police)

"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."

Following the release of the CCTV shot, Supt Cameron said: “We are now releasing an image of the last known sighting of Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, which was on Caledonian Road, N1 at 20:48hrs on Wednesday, 31 January. The image is taken from the Tesco store, where Ezedi is believed to have purchased a bottle of water. He left the shop and turned right.

"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." Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ryan Merrifield