Woman and two children in hospital after ‘corrosive substance attack’
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Police have identified a suspect who allegedly threw an alkaline substance at a mother and her two children, leaving her and one daughter with potentially life-changing injuries.
Officers say they are hunting Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, about 35 years old, over the “targeted” attack which led to at least 11 people needing hospital treatment.
The Metropolitan Police said he would have significant injuries on the right side of his face and that anyone who sees him should call 999.
Ezedi could be heading to the Newcastle area where he is from, they said.
The 31-year-old woman, described by police as vulnerable, and her three-year-old daughter, alongside her other daughter, aged eight, were still in hospital following the attack in south London on Wednesday evening.
The suspect, who is believed to be known to the mother, was described as dangerous after he also allegedly threw the younger child to the ground and threw the substance at the others.
Police said in his attempt to drive away from the scene, the attacker crashed into a stationary vehicle and made off on foot in Lessar Avenue, near Clapham Common, at about 7.25pm. He was last spotted on CCTV in Caledonian Road.
Three members of the public who came to the aid of the family have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns injuries.
The force said five officers who responded to the incident have also been treated and have now left hospital.
Have you been affected by this? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
Key points
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‘We will catch him’
Police have just named the suspect in the “horrific” attack on a mother and her two children in Clapham last night.
He is Abdul Ezdi, said to be around 35, and was last spotted in north London. It is believed he is from Northumbria.
He fled the scene in a vehicle, a Hyundia car, before going on foot.
Supt Gabriel Cameron told journalists: “We will catch him”. He also urged people not to approach him and call police immediately.
Alex Ross1 February 2024 13:39
NHS England records 100 similar hospitalisations a year
NHS England records an average of about 100 incidents a year where someone is admitted to hospital after being assaulted by a corrosive substance, according to the BBC.
There were 82 in the year ending last March and 100 in the 12 months before that. Both are down from a recent peak of 129 in the year ending March 2018.
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 13:30
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Alexander Butler1 February 2024 13:00
What is the difference between alkaline and acidic products?
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed an alkaline substance was thrown over a mother and two young children in an attack last night.
So what is the difference between alkaline and acidic products? Alkaline substances include lime products, plaster and mortar, oven and drain cleaners, dishwasher powders and fertilisers.
Alkaline chemicals are able to penetrate and damage the deeper layers of tissue when compared to acidic chemicals, according to healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, acid products include toilet cleaners, battery acid, bleach and chemicals that are added to gas. Most chemical burns are treated first by rinsing (flushing) the chemical off your body with a large amount of cool water.
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 12:33
Victims were guests at nearby hotel
The family-of-three who were attacked and injured were staying in a nearby hotel.
A spokesperson said: “Belvedere Hotel staff, having supported the work of the emergency services, provided assistance to the guests affected and sought to reassure other hotel guests as to their safety and wellbeing.
The staff team will continue to provide assistance to guests and the police going forward. As this is an ongoing police investigation, we are not able to provide any further comment. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected.”
The family-of-three were staying at the Belvedere Hotel during the time of the attack
(Barney Davis/ The Independent)
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 11:59
Watch: Eyewitness describes Clapham ‘acid attack’ as something from ‘The Hulk’
Eyewitness describes Clapham ‘acid attack’ as something from ‘The Hulk’
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 11:37
Streatham MP hails ‘absolute heros’
Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy hailed the actions of the “absolute heros” who stepped in grabbing the youngest child away and chasing off the attacker, Barney Davis reports.
She told The Independent: “They are amazing. They are true heroes, honestly, they came out at complete risk to themselves and did what they had to do to keep people safe.
“They are all fine now. It’s just the woman and her children who have life-changing but not life-threatening injuries. The local people here are absolute heroes they didn’t think about their own safety once.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy hailed the actions of the ‘absolute heros’ who stepped in to save the youngest child
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 11:22
Met Commissioner calls out ‘ghastly’ attack
The Metropolitan Police commissioner has called out the “ghastly” chemical attack on a mother and her two daughters and confirmed the attacker was known to the family.
“It’s frightening. This is a ghastly attack. But everything we know points this to being two people who know eachother. It’s not random,” Sir Mark Rowley told BBC Radio London.
Sir Mark added that the mother and youngest daughter’s burns were “potentially substantial” and a live manhunt for the suspect was underway.
Sir Mark Rowley said the attack was ‘ghastly’ and confirmed the attacker was known to victims
(PA)
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 11:16
Mother and attacker knew eachother, MP says
The mother and attacker knew eachother, according to Streatham’s MP. Bell Ribeiro-Addy told The Independent: “It’s clear that the individuals involved in the attack were known to each other.”
The mother, 31, and her two daughters – aged eight and three – all remain in hospital, after they were allegedly attacked by a man who police are now hunting.
A witness told The Independent she saw a man get out of the same car as the mother and two children in school uniform in the back before throwing the youngest to the floor.
Police at the scene of the attack near Clapham Common, London
(Barney Davis/ The Independent)
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 10:50
How many were injured in the attack?
The family, five responding officers and three others who tried to help were all rushed to hospital after the attack on Wednesday evening.
The mother, 31, and her two daughters – aged eight and three – all remain in hospital, after they were allegedly attacked by a man who police are now hunting.
Three women, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, were also injured after coming to the aid of the family when they saw commotion.
Five police officers were also injured, A man in his 50s suffered minor injuries but declined hospital treatment, according to police.
Police at the scene in Lessar Avenue near Clapham Common. 12 were injured overall.
(PA)
Alexander Butler1 February 2024 10:21