As authorities intensify their search for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, the man suspected in a horrifying alkali attack, they face an added challenge: Ezedi does not possess a mobile phone, making it considerably more difficult to track his movements.
During a recent police briefing, Deputy Superintendent Sewell highlighted the unique complexities of a manhunt when the suspect lacks a mobile phone. While Ezedi’s phone is in police possession and has been subjected to comprehensive analysis, his lack of personal communication devices has compounded the challenge of locating him.
Additionally, the investigation into the substance used in the attack has made significant progress. Authorities have narrowed down the potential substances to two highly corrosive alkalis. The careful examination of the substance is a crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation, aiming to uncover vital evidence that can lead to Ezedi’s apprehension.
The briefing also presented two plausible police theories that are actively under consideration:
- Ezedi has come to harm: Investigators are exploring the possibility that Ezedi may have encountered danger or harm since the attack.
- Someone is looking after him: There is a strong suspicion that Ezedi may be receiving assistance and shelter from an individual or a group of individuals.
Dep Supt Sewell emphasized that if Ezedi is indeed being harboured at a specific location and provided with essential provisions such as food and water, the manhunt could potentially stretch over several weeks. This prolonged search adds to the complexity of an already challenging case.
In the aftermath of the attack that transpired in Clapham, initial reports revealed that a 31-year-old woman and her two young daughters, aged three and eight, were victims of a corrosive substance assault on Lessar Avenue, near Clapham Common, at approximately 19:25. The attack left the mother severely injured, and the younger victims sustained injuries that were initially deemed less severe than later assessments indicated.
Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, the 35-year-old suspect believed to be of Afghan origin and residing in Newcastle, is thought to have had a connection with the family. However, authorities are still working to clarify the exact nature of their relationship.
The timeline of Ezedi’s movements following the attack is critical to the investigation. After the incident at 19:25, Ezedi boarded a train from Clapham South tube station at 19:33. He was later spotted at King’s Cross station at 20:00, and the last confirmed sighting placed him exiting Tower Hill tube station at 21:33.
The victims of the attack, including the mother and her children, remain hospitalized. The mother’s condition is described as “very poor,” with the possibility of permanent loss of vision in her right eye. The children’s injuries, initially perceived as less severe, are now under closer scrutiny. Additionally, five police officers who responded to the scene and sustained injuries have been discharged from the hospital. Three women who came to the aid of the family and were also injured have been similarly discharged.
As the investigation continues, the search for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that could aid in locating Ezedi and advancing the case. The community’s vigilance and cooperation are pivotal in achieving a resolution to this distressing incident.
