Suspected chemical attacker urged to hand himself in after vital evidence found

A suspected chemical attacker has been urged by police to “do the right thing and hand yourself in”, as it emerged officers have found “significant and important” evidence during searches.

Abdul Ezedi, 35, from the Newcastle area, who is described as having very significant injuries to the right side of his face, is still on the run following Wednesday’s attack in Clapham, south London.

A 31-year-old mother, believed to be known to Ezedi, was attacked with a corrosive alkaline substance and remains very poorly and sedated in hospital, with her injuries thought to be life-changing.

The injuries to her daughters, aged three and eight, are not likely to be life-changing.

Five police officers were injured as they responded, as were four members of the public who tried to help.

The suspect attempted to escape the scene in a car but crashed into a stationary vehicle, then ran.

In 2018, Ezedi was convicted of one charge of sexual assault and one of exposure. However, he was granted asylum in 2020, having been twice refused. Metropolitan Police Commander

Jon Savell told reporters outside Scotland Yard that “significant and important pieces of evidence” were recovered in searches carried out in east London and Newcastle on Thursday night.

He said: “In terms of our manhunt for Ezedi, we’ve got a large team of very experienced detectives leading the manhunt, using all the tactics that you would expect us to use, lots of officers out on the ground. “We’re working very closely with colleagues from Transport for London, British Transport Police and our colleagues in Northumbria Police as well. Last night, five search warrants were executed – two in east London and three up in Newcastle. We’ve recovered some significant and important pieces of evidence which will help with our investigation.”

Making a direct appeal to Ezedi, Mr Savell said: “Abdul, you clearly have got some very significant injuries.

“We’ve seen the images. You need some medical help, so do the right thing and hand yourself in.”