Friday, February 2, 2024

Clapham: Chemical attack suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi was granted asylum after being convicted of sexual assault

 

The suspect in the Clapham chemical attack was granted asylum after being convicted of a sexual assault, Sky News understands.

Police are hunting Abdul Shokoor Ezedi after a mother and two children were targeted with an alkaline substance in Clapham, south London, on Wednesday evening.

It is understood Ezedi was handed a suspended sentence for a sexual offence in Newcastle in 2018, and was discharged from probation supervision in 2020.

The latest development comes after police issued a new photo of the former asylum seeker, who only had his application granted on his third attempt after arriving in the UK by lorry in 2016.

Sky News understands Ezedi was allowed to stay after a priest vouched for his conversion to Christianity, saying he was "wholly committed" to his new religion. Ezedi had claimed his life would be in danger if he returned to his native Afghanistan.  


On Thursday evening, Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said the new image, taken at 8.48pm on Wednesday, was of the last-known sighting of Ezedi in Caledonian Road, north London, and was less than two hours after the assault.

"The image is taken from the Tesco store, where Ezedi is believed to have purchased a bottle of water," he said in a statement. "He left the shop and turned right.

"The image shows Ezedi with what appears to be significant injuries to the right side of his face. This makes him distinctive.

"If you see Ezedi, call 999 immediately. He should NOT be approached.   


The police warning came after a woman and two girls were targeted in south London on Wednesday evening.

The suspect, 35, from Newcastle, is believed to have travelled down to London earlier that day before the attack near Clapham Common and could be heading back, according to police.

Both Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police are helping the Met with the manhunt.

Officers have also confirmed a car involved in the attack belonged to Ezedi, while the substance used in the attack was alkaline.  


A 31-year-old mother and her three-year-old daughter, alongside her other daughter, aged eight, remain in hospital following the incident.

The mother and the younger child may have suffered life-changing injuries, according to police.

Officers said the suspect was known to the woman and described the attack as "targeted".

A total of 12 people were hurt during the incident, including the mother and her two children, and five officers who were injured as they responded.  


https://news.sky.com/story/clapham-police-issue-photo-of-chemical-attack-suspect-with-facial-injuries-at-tesco-store-13061582