The Metropolitan Police has announced a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest of Abdul Ezedi, the primary suspect in the Clapham chemical attack that left 12 people injured on January 31. The incident has left a mother and her two children hospitalised, with the woman in critical but stable condition, facing potentially life-changing injuries.
In a renewed effort to locate Ezedi, authorities have disclosed his last known movements, releasing CCTV footage capturing him at the Tesco store in Caledonian Road on the day of the attack. His final confirmed sighting was at 9.33 pm when he exited Tower Hill Underground station. Ezedi had previously changed trains at Victoria, transitioning from the Victoria Line at 9.10 pm to the eastbound District Line at 9.16 pm.
Commander Savell, leading the investigation, provided an update on the analysis of the substance used in the attack. The liquid was identified as a highly concentrated corrosive substance, possibly either liquid sodium hydroxide or liquid sodium carbonate. Ongoing inquiries include a comparison with containers seized from Ezedi’s residence in Newcastle.
The manhunt, spearheaded by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, involves collaboration with various specialist departments and local policing teams. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police are working closely with the Home Office, UK Border Force, UK Visas and Immigration, the National Crime Agency, British Transport Police, and multiple other police forces. Details about Ezedi have been disseminated to all UK police forces and ports.
In a direct appeal to Abdul Ezedi, Darius Nasimi from the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association urged the fugitive to turn himself in immediately. Nasimi emphasised the seriousness of Ezedi’s injuries and implored him to do the right thing by cooperating with the authorities.
“Abdul, I am speaking directly to you. I want you to go straight to a police station immediately. You have a serious injury that needs to be seen to, but more importantly, you must do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police. This has gone on for long enough. You can contact the charity if you wish, and we can speak to you, and work together so that you can help the police with their inquiries. Abdul, please contact us as soon as you can, call 999, or go to a police station.”
The investigation remains fluid, with law enforcement agencies deploying significant resources to apprehend Ezedi. The release of CCTV footage and details of his last movements underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, assuring confidentiality, and highlighting the substantial financial reward for crucial details leading to Ezedi’s arrest.
As the search intensifies, residents and the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could aid in the swift resolution of this case. The Met Police continue to work in collaboration with partner agencies, emphasising the importance of a coordinated effort to bring the suspect to justice.
In conclusion, the Metropolitan Police’s dedication to resolving this case is evident in the multi-agency approach and the substantial reward offered. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the severity of the chemical attack and the potential life-altering injuries suffered by the victims. As the investigation progresses, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant, with hopes that Ezedi will heed the appeals and voluntarily surrender to authorities, bringing a swift resolution to this disturbing incident.
