The authorities have identified the individual believed to be responsible for assaulting a woman and her kids with a corrosive alkaline substance as Abdul Ezedi. They have characterized him as “hazardous” and noted that he has “serious injuries” on the right side of his face.
The police department of Scotland Yard has begun a search for a man and is asking for people who may have information to come forward. They are also warning anyone who encounters Ezedi to not approach him.
The Metropolitan police have notified other forces to be on the lookout for the 35-year-old suspect, in case he attempts to escape London. Superintendent Gabriel Cameron stated that the suspect was last spotted in the Caledonian Road region of north London and is thought to have traveled from the north-east of England to carry out the assault.
A woman, 31, and her three-year-old daughter, who are thought to be acquainted with Ezedi, have sustained injuries that could alter their lives. According to Cameron, they, along with their eight-year-old sister, are currently in stable condition at the hospital as of Thursday afternoon.
According to Cameron, they were subjected to a “terrible offense” against a “defenseless woman” and her loved ones by a “risky individual”. He emphasized the seriousness of violence against women and girls, particularly in this case where the victim was in a vulnerable state and the experience would have been extremely frightening. He assured that every effort will be made to capture the perpetrator with full confidence.
Ezedi is suspected to have attempted to escape the situation by driving away in a car, but ended up colliding with a parked vehicle and then running away on foot. According to Cameron, the Metropolitan Police is collaborating with Northumbria and British Transport Police as Ezedi may be returning to Newcastle. He assured reporters that they will apprehend him, expressing complete confidence.
Cameron stated, “To my knowledge, he may have been familiar to law enforcement, but he is not a native of London.”
The officer could not verify the specific substance that was used, as there are many corrosive alkaline products easily accessible in stores on the main street.
On Thursday morning, there was a feeling of surprise in Clapham. According to a witness, there were screams heard outside and a child seen banging on the car window. The witness also reported seeing a man throw a substance at a woman.
Subsequently, he fled as others began to pursue him. Shortly thereafter, I overheard a woman crying out, “My eyes, my eyes, where are my children?” She was frantically running around with her eyes covered. Neighbors emerged and began to pour water on her eyes. Meanwhile, the young child continued to cry out, “Where is my mother?”
Additional witnesses recounted a scene that was “horrific.”
The hotel, located near the incident, stated that its guests were affected by the attack. Due to the current health crisis, the hotel has been utilized as a short-term housing option by the government.
It is currently unclear if the individuals affected were staying at the hotel as temporary guests.
During an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, commended the courage of both civilians and officers who took action. He mentioned that three civilians were hospitalized after being exposed to the substance, along with five police officers. As of Thursday afternoon, only the woman and her two young daughters were still receiving treatment in the hospital.
Emergency responders were alerted to Lessar Avenue in Clapham around 7:25pm. The injured individuals, including bystanders and law enforcement attempting to assist, were transported to the hospital.
Source: theguardian.com
