The substance thrown at the face of a mum and her two daughters in a horrifying attack is alleged to be “oven cleaner”.
The 31 year woman – who is now feared blind – screamed “my eyes” as the attacker threw the acidic liquid in their faces from what is believed to be a metal coffee cup. The horror attack injured 12 people on Wednesday night.
It’s reported that Abdul Ezedi had traced the mum to a two-star Clapham South Belvedere Hotel, where she was staying in a local council-provided room, reports The Sun.
The suspect is thought to have snatched the youngest child, aged three, and put her in the back of a white car before the mum and older daughter attempted to intervene. It was then that the substance, claimed by The Sun to be oven cleaner, was launched at them.
Following the attack the suspect got back into the car but crashed into a parked car before fleeing on foot. Members of the public and police officers were also burned as they rushed to help the family and Ezedi was also described as having “significant injuries to the right side of his face”.
Ezedi was last seen at a Tesco close to King’s Cross Station at 8.48pm on Wednesday, where he is believed to have bought a bottle of water. Photos show the suspected attacker’s face melted as he calmly picks up his items.
Police have warned members of the public not to approach Ezedi under any circumstances. Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said: “We believe he travelled down from Newcastle earlier that day. We don’t know yet what led to it. We’re working to establish the circumstances.
“A manhunt to trace Ezedi is under way. We are working with partner agencies and forces including the British Transport Police to locate and arrest him.
“If you see Ezedi, call 999 immediately. He should NOT be approached.” Government sources reveal he is an Afghan asylum seeker – and reports claim two applications to remain in the country were refused. He is also said to be a convicted sex offender.
He added: “The woman, who is aged 31, and her two daughters – aged eight and three – all remain in hospital. While none of their conditions are life-threatening, the injuries to the woman and younger girl could be life-changing. It may be some time before hospital staff are able to say how serious that might be.
“I am sure the public will join me in saying they are in our thoughts and we wish them the fullest possible recovery.
“Three women – two in their 30s and one in her 50s – who were injured when they bravely came to the aid of the family, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries. A man in his 50s who also helped declined hospital treatment for minor injuries he suffered.
“Five officers who were injured as they responded have all been treated and have left 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.”
