Suspect lured ex-girlfriend to meet before 'dousing her and kids with chemical'

07 February 2024 , 16:48

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Abdul Ezedi seen in a shop in Newcastle days before the chemical attack

Chemical attack fugitive Abdul Ezedi lured his alleged victim to a meeting after their relationship broke down, police have revealed.

Commander Jon Savell, from the Metropolitan Police, said the investigation is being treated as attempted murder and the 31-year-old mum is still unable to talk to detectives seven days on.

Mr Savell said the facial injuries suffered by Ezedi, 35, in the attack in Clapham, south London, could be fatal if left untreated. Officers will return to the scene of the attack on Wednesday evening, a week after the woman and her two children, aged eight and three, were doused with a corrosive liquid.

Mr Savell 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."

The latest confirmed sighting of Ezedi on CCTV is now on Vauxhall Bridge Road at around 11pm on the night of the attack, January 31. Police are investigating the possibility he is abroad or drowned in the Thames though there is no evidence of either at the moment, Mr Savell said.

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He was seen at King's Cross with significant facial injuries (PA)

Police are investigating the possibility he may have died, but there's no evidence to support this yet (PA)

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.

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

Tom Pettifor