A man wanted over a chemical attack in Clapham, south London on a mother and her two daughters was in a relationship with the mum, a relative of the suspect has claimed.
The nationwide manhunt for Abdul Ezedi, 35, from Newcastle, has entered its third day after the Met Police urged the seriously injured fugitive to “do the right thing” and hand himself in.
Speaking to Sky News today (Saturday, February 3), one of Ezedi’s relatives also said they would hand Ezedi in to cops themselves if they had to. The relative mentioned they were “worried about” him and they wanted to “find out if he is alive or dead”.
It’s now known 12 people were injured, including the mother, 31, and her two daughters, aged three and eight. All three remain in hospital, with the mother’s injuries thought to be “life-changing”.
CCTV images released by police show Ezedi with severe injuries to the right side of his face, including a bloodied eye.
So far, police searching for Abdul Ezedi have said they have found “significant evidence” in their search for the wanted man.
Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell said “important” pieces of evidence have been taken during late-night raids.
He said on Friday: “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.”
Police said Ezedi was last seen inside a Tesco Express on Caledonian Road, North London on February 1. He is believed to have bought a bottle of water in the shop.
Ezedi entered King’s Cross Tube station at 9pm and boarded a southbound Victoria line train – but the suspect has not been seen since.
Ezedi arrived in the UK on a lorry in 2016 after fleeing Afghanistan. After two failed attempts, his asylum claim to stay in the UK was granted in 2020.
He was allowed to stay in the country after a priest confirmed he had converted to Christianity.
Police have warned the public not to approach the man, and to call the police urgently if he is spotted.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Any members of the public with any information about the attack or the whereabouts of Abdul Ezedi are asked to call 020 7175 2784. I also ask anyone with any video footage, including video doorbell or dashboard cameras to please contact us immediately.”
