Manhunt underway for suspect in Clapham corrosive substance attackon a woman and her two daughters. The attack, which occurred nearly 24 hours ago, has shocked the nation and left the victims hospitalized with severe injuries.
The victims, a 31-year-old mother, and her daughters, aged eight and three, were targeted with a corrosive substance by the assailant, identified as Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, aged 35. Police have warned that the woman and the younger girl may experience life-altering consequences although the victims' injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
Subsequent investigations by the police revealed that the substance used in the attack was an alkali. Furthermore, law enforcement authorities stated that they were operating under the assumption that the perpetrator knew the woman he targeted.
According to reports, Ezedi attempted to flee the scene in a car but collided with another vehicle before making his escape on foot. CCTV footage from a Tesco store on Caledonian Road, which is about eight miles away from the attack site, captured his last known sighting.
Police have urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from approaching Ezedi if spotted, instead advising individuals to contact emergency services immediately. It has been disclosed that Ezedi was previously denied asylum twice before eventually being granted it.
In the aftermath of the attack, three women and a man who intervened to assist the victims sustained minor injuries. However, they have since been discharged from the hospital.
“„Last night's attack on a mother and her two children in Clapham was appalling. My thoughts are with them and the brave members of the public and police who intervened.- Home Secretary James Cleverly
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with authorities continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, NHS England data highlights a concerning trend in assaults involving corrosive substances, with the North West recording the highest number of incidents leading to hospital admissions.
As the search intensifies for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, communities across London remain on high alert, united in their determination to bring the perpetrator to justice and ensure the safety of all residents.
According to NHS England data, the North West has the highest number of recorded incidents of individuals being admitted to hospitals due to assaults involving corrosive substances, with approximately 20 cases in the most recent available year ending last March. The North East followed with around 15 cases, while the South East and South West each recorded about 10 cases.
These numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5, and all other regions reported fewer than 8 cases. However, it's important to note that these figures might be underestimated, as it's not mandatory to report such incidents, and individuals may have been admitted more than once within the same year.