An extensive search is in progress for a suspect linked to an attack involving a corrosive substance in Lambeth last evening. Authorities are urgently calling for public assistance to advance the investigation.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron has shared an update regarding the ongoing efforts:
“An image capturing Abdul Shokoor Ezedi’s most recent appearance on Caledonian Road, N1, at 20:48hrs on Wednesday, 31 January, is now public. The photo, sourced from the Tesco store, shows Ezedi buying a bottle of water before exiting and turning right. Notably, Ezedi is seen with substantial injuries on the right side of his face, making him easily recognizable.
“Anyone who spots Ezedi should immediately contact 999 and avoid approaching him.”
For those with potential leads on his location, the incident room can be directly contacted at 0207 175 2784.
Superintendent Cameron also provided an update on the condition of the victims affected by last night’s harrowing event:
“I wish to express our deep concern for the victims and inform on their current state. A 31-year-old woman and her two daughters, aged eight and three, are still hospitalized. Though their injuries are not life-threatening, the impact on the woman and her younger daughter may be profound, with the full extent of their injuries yet to be determined.
“Our thoughts are with them, hoping for their complete recovery.
“Additionally, three women, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, who courageously intervened to assist the family, have been released from the hospital with minor burns. A man in his 50s who also offered help refused hospital care for minor injuries.
“Five responding officers have been treated for their injuries and discharged from the hospital.”
“All these members of the public, and my officers, deserve enormous recognition and praise for coming to the aid of this woman and children in what must have been a terrifying scenario. We will provide them with all the support we can.
“I also want to commend nearby hotel staff after victims and officers sought refuge and water there following the incident.
“We were called to Lessar Avenue, SW4 at about 19:25hrs on Wednesday, 31 January.
“It was reported that a man had thrown a child to the ground and that a substance – which we now know to be alkaline – had been thrown.
The man attempted to make off in a car but collided with a stationary vehicle, and then made off on foot, in the direction of Clapham Common.
“We believe the man and woman are known to each other. Our investigation is in its early stages and we are working to establish why this awful incident has happened.
“Officers from across the Met are working with partner agencies and forces to locate and arrest the man. While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him. We will release more information about him as soon as we can.
“Any members of the public who saw what happened can help us by calling 0207 175 2784. I also urge local people and drivers to check their doorbell and dash cameras for any footage that might have captured a man fleeing the area, and to please contact us immediately.
“I thank colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the National Police Air Service who also assisted last night.
