Nationwide Manhunt Continues for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi in Clapham Acid Attack Case
ICARO Media Group
As the nationwide manhunt for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi intensifies, details about the suspect in the Clapham acid attack in south London are gradually emerging. Ezedi, a convicted sex offender believed to be from Afghanistan, has been described by the police as a "dangerous individual."
According to authorities, Ezedi entered the UK in 2016 by lorry and was granted asylum in 2020 after three unsuccessful attempts. It is known that he resided in Newcastle, where in 2018, he was convicted of one charge of sexual assault and one charge of exposure.
The 35-year-old received a nine-week jail term for the sexual assault and 36 weeks' imprisonment for the exposure, with both sentences suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete unpaid community work. In 2020, after successfully fulfilling the terms of his sentence, Ezedi was discharged from probation supervision.
Locals in Newcastle have shared their interactions with Ezedi, with the owner of Sultan Supermarket in Byker revealing that he had seen Ezedi in his shop on Tuesday. Yaya described him as normal, relaxed, and respectful, stating that Ezedi had been working in a nearby pizza shop.
Ezedi's life prior to his arrival in the UK remains largely unknown. After his initial application for asylum was rejected, he submitted a second application in which he claimed to have converted to Christianity, fearing persecution if he returned to Afghanistan. This claim was eventually successful after a tribunal overturned the Home Office's decision in 2020, taking into account a church witness's testimony.
In the latest update following the Clapham acid attack on Wednesday, the police have revealed that they believe Ezedi traveled from Newcastle to London. They suspect he left Newcastle in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was later spotted in the Tooting, Croydon, and Streatham areas before reaching Clapham.
While Metropolitan Police detectives believe that Ezedi is acquainted with the family injured in the attack on Lessar Avenue, they are yet to ascertain their exact relationship. As part of their investigation, the police released an image of the suspect, highlighting significant and distinctive injuries on the right side of his face.
Further investigations have uncovered Ezedi's movements after the attack. It is known that he boarded a train at Clapham South tube station at 19:33, arriving at King's Cross station by 20:00. Later that evening, he was spotted in north London at a Tesco Express shop on Caledonian Road at around 20:45. Authorities have also confirmed that Ezedi was seen taking a southbound Victoria Line tube at 21:00.
As the search for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi continues, the police have released new images of the suspect in their efforts to apprehend him. The public is urged to report any information that could assist in his capture, while residents in affected areas remain vigilant and cautious.
Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, as the nation follows the progress of this unfolding manhunt.