Police raid two Newcastle addresses during manhunt for Clapham alkali attack suspect

POLICE investigating the Clapham alkali attack raided two addresses in Tyne and Wear associated with the suspect Abdul Ezedi, the Metropolitan Police said yesterday.

Armed officers executed two warrants at addresses associated with Ezedi in the early hours of the morning. One of the addresses was a kebab shop where he had previously worked.

Scotland Yard said no arrests had been made during the two raids, carried out in a joint operation with Northumbria Police. Staff at a convenience store three doors down from Best Bites Pizza & Grill House said Ezedi was a regular.

“He was a customer and a perfectly pleasant guy,” said a staff member. “During Ramadan he would just buy Red Bull for himself and his Turkish colleagues at the takeaway, then when he broke his fast he would buy Jaffa Cakes and chocolates in the evening.”

Staff said they saw 20 officers in seven police cars close off the street. They were led from the premises as officers in chemical hazard suits searched the property.

Bethany Snowdon, 18, said she was a regular at Best Bites and recalled Ezedi as a “normal bloke”, adding: “He’s been working there for about a year. I saw him on telly and thought I know him.”

Ezedi, 35, is accused of pouring a strong alkali on his ex-partner and injuring her two young children, aged three and eight.

A major manhunt is under way for the suspect, with the last confirmed sighting now at just before 11.30pm on Wednesday Jan 31, a few hours after the attack, as he crossed over Chelsea Bridge and entered Battersea Park in central London, then crossed back over the same bridge minutes later. He was was also spotted travelling on Tubes.

The woman hurt in the attack, who may lose the sight in her right eye, remains sedated in hospital.

Commander Jon Savell, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “Our investigation team have been working tirelessly. While we retain an open mind, it appears the motivation for this awful attack is a breakdown of a relationship. This was a senseless and cruel attack by a dangerous man – we urge anyone with information about Ezedi’s whereabouts to contact us as matter of urgency. He is wanted for attempted murder.”

Friends of the attack victim have launched a fundraiser for the family. They said: “Our friend is a devoted and loving mother. Her children are her life. We are still coming to terms with the fact that this monstrous attack will change their lives forever.”