Clapham attack live: Clapham victim was ‘devoted mother’ friends say as hunt for Abdul Ezedi continues

Fugitive Abdul Ezedi could die from his injuries if left untreated as police revealed a possible motive for the chemical attack that left a woman and two children injured last week.

The Metropolitan Police warned that the facial injuries suffered by Abdul Ezedi, 35, in the attack in Clapham, south London, could be fatal.

Commander Jon Savell, from the Met, added that the breakdown of the relationship between Ezedi and the 31-year-old woman could have been a motive for the attack.

Darius Nasimi, from the charity the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association, told reporters that Abdul Ezedi should hand himself in a week on from his shocking attack.

He said: “This is a tragic incident for this mother and her two children. Violence against women and girls can not be tolerated.

“I would urge the Afghan community to help the police and provide any information at all about where Ezedi is, who is providing him with accommodation, who is harbouring him and helping him evade capture. You can also speak to our charity and we will help liaise with the police and pass information on if you feel you don’t want to speak to them directly.

“I make a direct appeal to him – hand yourself in. This has been going on for long enough. You need medical attention.

“What has happened in this case should have no reflection on the people of Afghanistan in the UK. This does not represent them.”

On Wednesday, police confirmed for the first time that the victim had been in a relationship with Ezedi but it had broken down.

She had agreed to meet him on the day of the attack and was in his car with her young children when he struck.

Detectives wouldn’t confirm if the relationship was digital or physical.

Investigators said they are keeping an open mind as to whether Ezedi, an Afghan refugee who came to the UK on a lorry in 2016, has come to harm or is being helped to stay hidden.

He fled the scene in Clapham, at first using his bank card to travel around on the Tube network, and then walking a route that appeared to hug the banks of the River Thames.

The most recent sighting was on Vauxhall Bridge Road just after 11pm on the night of the attack, with counter-terrorism officers drafted in to go through hundreds of hours of CCTV to track his route.

Police said there is no evidence yet to suggest that he jumped in the river.

They have received hundreds of calls with potential sightings of Ezedi, who is from Newcastle and had driven down to London early on the morning of January 31.

In a statement close friends of the victim who have launched a fundraiser for the family said: “Our friend is first and foremost a devoted and loving mother.

“Her children are her life. She is generous to a fault and a wonderful cook and host.

“All she has ever wanted is a safe home for her and her beautiful, kind little girls.”

Neighbours in Lessar Avenue, Clapham, rushed to help the family in the wake of the harrowing violence, a number of whom were injured themselves.

The friends’ statement continued: “As their loved ones we are still coming to terms with the fact that this monstrous attack will change their lives forever.

“It is difficult to imagine now how they will recover, and all we want is for them to be able to rebuild their lives.

“We cannot put into words how grateful we are to the heroic neighbours of Lessar Avenue.

“They risked their own lives to save them and we can only imagine how distressing the attack was for them too. They are angels in our eyes.”

In all, 12 people needed hospital treatment after the “targeted” attack in Lessar Avenue, which left the mother with injuries likely to be life-changing.

Rather than attack the principle of giving refuge in the UK, we should use the Abdul Ezedi case to find ways to make the asylum system work so that it protects the public, says Sean O’Grady

Abdul Shokoor Ezedi was spotted boarding a southbound Victoria line at King’s Cross station at 9pm on Wednesday, just over 90 minutes after the alkaline attack which left 12 people with injuries, including five police officers and four members of the public who attempted to help the victims.

I read your recent editorial regarding events in Clapham with interest and agreement. I admit to being one of those who was concerned when I learned that the perpetrator of this horrendous crime had been granted asylum in this country. Because, as stated in your piece, I am against the idea that one malefactor should cloud everyone’s rational opinion about the thousands of other desperate men, women and children who come to this country seeking aid.

Newly-released CCTV shows Clapham attack suspect Abdul Ezedi in a Tesco shop on Caledonian Road, London, on Wednesday (31 January).

Her daughters were also hurt but their injuries are “not likely to be life-changing”.

Authorities have offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

In all, 12 people needed hospital treatment after the “targeted” attack in Lessar Avenue, which left the mother with injuries likely to be life-changing.