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Authorities searching for wanted suspect Abdul Ezedi, who is connected to the Clapham attack, are offering a reward of £20,000 for tips that lead to his apprehension. They have also issued a warning that anyone aiding him will be subject to arrest.
The Metropolitan Police stated that they believe there are individuals who have not yet come forward, even four days after a sex offender allegedly attacked a woman and her two children with a corrosive alkaline substance in south London. This attack left 12 people injured and the perpetrator is still at large.
There is concern that Ezedi, who received asylum after being convicted of sexual assault and exposure in his home country of Afghanistan, may attempt to leave the country.
According to Scotland Yard, the Border Force and other agencies are aiding in the search for Ezedi. Detectives in London have notified all police forces and ports in the UK.
The police have recently provided a new update on their last recorded sighting of Ezedi. This update reflects a time difference of just over 30 minutes on Sunday, and they have traced his movements until 9:33pm on Wednesday. This was less than two hours after the attack took place, when he was seen leaving Tower Hill underground station.
New information was disclosed by investigators regarding the chemical utilized in the assault. They stated that it was a potent and highly concentrated corrosive substance, either in the form of liquid sodium hydroxide or liquid sodium carbonate. These alkalines are commonly used in the production of soap and bleach.
A witness disclosed that the three-year-old who was attacked on Lessar Avenue would have perished if their partner had not intervened.
“My accomplice sprang forward and forcefully took him down, clutching his leg and descending to the ground in a manner similar to a rugby tackle,” he recounted to The Times. “I am certain that had my accomplice not intervened, the child would not have survived.”
Although the two girls, aged three and eight, were initially feared to have sustained life-changing injuries, it is now believed that they did not. However, their mother is still in critical but stable condition.
Commander Jon Savell expressed his immense appreciation to the public for the large volume of calls we have received. Your assistance is crucial. A reward of up to £20,000 is currently being offered for any information that leads to the apprehension of the suspect.
“I need to caution anyone aiding Ezedi in avoiding capture. If you are sheltering or supporting him, you will be apprehended.”
“Our helpline is available 24/7 and is operated by expert investigators who are continuously pursuing leads. If you have any knowledge of his whereabouts or any helpful information, please call immediately.”
In an appeal directly to Ezedi, Darius Nasimi, of the charity the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association said: “Abdul, I am speaking directly to you. I want you to go straight to a police station immediately.
You have sustained a severe injury that requires immediate attention, but what is most crucial is that you turn yourself in to the police. This situation has persisted for far too long.
If you would like, you have the option to reach out to the charity and we can communicate with you. Together, we can collaborate to assist the police with their investigations. Abdul, please get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. You can either dial 999 or visit a police station.
As a part of their updated request, authorities also shared fresh surveillance video displaying Ezedi at a Tesco store on Caledonian Road. Afterwards, he took the Tube to Tower Hill station.
If you have any details regarding Abdul Ezedi, please contact 020 7175 2784. For urgent sightings, dial 999. You can also reach out to Crimestoppers, a separate organization, to remain unidentified.
Source: independent.co.uk