Law enforcement officials have taken possession of two containers devoid of contents but bearing labels indicating they contain corrosive substances. This was done following searches at locations connected to the individual believed to be responsible for a chemical assault on a woman and her two children in London.
On the third day of the manhunt, Scotland Yard requested for Abdul Ezedi to surrender himself. It is believed that he traveled from his residence in Newcastle to London on Wednesday morning with the chemicals he would later use.
Speaking directly to the suspect through public channels on Friday, Commander Jon Savell of the Metropolitan Police urged, “Abdul, it is evident that you have sustained serious injuries. We have seen the evidence and it is clear that you require medical assistance. Do the responsible thing and surrender yourself.”
Investigators reported that the mother was still sedated due to experiencing “life-altering injuries.” However, her children are believed to be in less danger than initially believed.
At approximately 7:30pm on Wednesday, an incident occurred in Clapham, located in south London. Surveillance footage captured a man running around a car and eventually entering the driver’s seat. In front of the vehicle, a woman and child were visible with their hands covering their faces.
Five search warrants were carried out, with two in east London and three in Newcastle. The containers were discovered at one of the latter locations.
According to Savell, two containers labeled as corrosive were discovered at a location in Newcastle. Ongoing forensic analysis is being conducted to determine if the containers contained the substance used in the Clapham attack.
He stated that authorities believe Ezedi departed from his residence in Newcastle during the early hours of Wednesday. He was last observed at King’s Cross subway station in north London on Wednesday, with a facial injury. However, they have since revised their belief that he remained in London and took a train heading south.
Recently, it was revealed that Ezedi was added to the list of sex offenders for a period of 10 years starting in 2019. This was after admitting to committing one count of sexual assault and one count of exposure at the Newcastle crown court.
According to a charity worker in Newcastle, Ezedi is seen as a quiet, composed individual who keeps to himself and is very isolated.
It is believed that the runaway has been residing alone at a hostel in Byker, Newcastle for a minimum of three years. On Friday, there was minimal police activity in the vicinity, indicating that they were not searching for him at his previous residence.
Twice a month, Ezedi would go to the Justice and Peace Refugee Project, located near the hostel, to receive essential supplies for asylum seekers.
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The individual working for the charity, who preferred to maintain their anonymity, characterized Ezedi as a serene and composed individual. They stated that he never expressed any grievances and did not arrive with anyone. He would often sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in solitude.
I was surprised to hear the news. My friend, who also works for a charity, informed me about an assailant from Newcastle. When I saw his photo in the news, I was taken aback. I never would have thought he was capable of such violence. He always seemed friendly and never mentioned anything about his past or friends. The last time I saw him, he appeared thin, weak, and vulnerable.
According to authorities, Ezedi was sighted in the Tooting neighborhood of south-west London at approximately 6:30am. He was then spotted at various locations in south London throughout the day leading up to the incident in Clapham.
Police reported that within eight minutes of the attack, the suspect had entered a train at the nearby Clapham South tube station. He was later spotted at King’s Cross station and proceeded to board a southbound Victoria line train.
“The mother is currently in the hospital and is heavily sedated. According to Savell, her injuries are expected to have a long-term impact. Fortunately, we received an update from the hospital stating that the two young children who were with her do not have as serious injuries as initially believed and are not likely to have long-term effects. They are still under the care of the NHS with their mother, and we hope for their speedy recovery.”
The police have issued a warning to the public regarding a dangerous suspect. They advise that he should not be approached and that anyone who sees him should call 999 right away.
Source: theguardian.com
