COPS have launched a manhunt following a chemical attack in Clapham last night.
Abdul Shokoor Ezedi has been named as a suspect as police scour London following last night's incident.
Fire crews and police attended the "horrific" scene which left 12 injured, including two children, at 7:25pm on Wednesday.
A mum and her two children came into contact with a "corrosive substance" and were rushed to hospital after witnesses saw the suspect run around a car and "slam" a child to the floor.
The Metropolitan Police’s Commissioner Mark Rowley has said it’s a “difficult, difficult moment” for London following last night’s "ghastly" attack.
Any members of the public who can help with information or material regarding yesterday’s incident should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
35 minutes ago By Louis Allwood
Metropolitan Police's Commissioner Mark Rowley condemns 'ghastly' attack
The Metropolitan Police's Commissioner has said it's a "difficult, difficult moment" for London following last night's attack.
Speaking to the BBC Mark Rowley added that attacks using "chemicals" or "acid" are "exceedingly rare" in London.
He has wished the families well and claimed that some of the injuries are "quite substantial".
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Today, 21:00 By Louis Allwood
In pictures: London acid attack
A man launched a chemical attack - leaving a toddler and mum with potentially life-changing injuries and hurting her other daughter.
Pictures below show the horrific moment the attack unfolded.
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Today, 20:30 By Louis Allwood
Firefighters detect "corrosive substance"
The London Fire Brigade said: "Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lessar Avenue in Clapham this evening.
"Working alongside emergency service partners, crews provided immediate emergency care to a woman and two children.
"Five further people were also treated at the scene. They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
"Crews also used specialist equipment to detect a corrosive substance that is believed to have been used in the incident."
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Today, 20:00 By Louis Allwood
Who to contact
Any members of the public who can help with information or material regarding yesterday's incident should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
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Today, 19:30 By Louis Allwood
MP calls for public support as manhunt continues
Labour MP Marina Ahmad has called on the public for information as continue their hunt.
"There has been a traffic collision with a man assaulting occupants in a car and throwing acid," Mrs Ahmad wrote.
"Victims include children. 7.25pm Lessar Avenue, Clapham Common South Side, SW4.
"If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, completely anonymously."
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Today, 19:00 By Louis Allwood
Witnesses describe horror attack
One witness told the Mail: "It was the worst thing I've ever seen.
"She was screaming, 'My eyes! My eyes!' Her skin looked burnt."
An urgent hunt has been launched for a man who fled the scene moments after the attack.
A resident on the road told the BBC: "I chased him halfway down the road, but I was in slippers so didn't get very far."
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Today, 18:30 By Louis Allwood
'Really bad scream'
A local saw the aftermath of the attack said his mother heard a "really bad scream" during the suspected attack.
He told of seeing a pair of baby’s shoes lying on the floor next to an abandoned car.
He said: “I saw acid on the ground and two baby shoes on the floor.
"The car was in the middle of the road with the doors open.
“My mum and the neighbours heard a really bad scream. I just saw the baby shoes on the ground.”
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Today, 18:00 By Louis Allwood
Urgent hunt for ‘dangerous individual’
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, a senior officer who polices in Lambeth, said both the man and woman are known to each other.
The officer added: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the considerable public concern following this terrible incident, and update on the injuries suffered by the victims.
“Officers from across the Met are working with partner agencies and forces to locate and arrest the man. While this appears a targeted attack, he is a dangerous individual and we urgently need to find him.”
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Today, 17:30 By Louis Allwood
Who to contact
Any members of the public who can help with information or material regarding yesterday’s incident should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
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Today, 17:00 By Louis Allwood
Where was the suspect last seen?
The alleged chemical attacker Abdul Shokoor Ezedi was last seen in Caledonian Road, Islington, amid fears he may have returned to Newcastle.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said: "A horrific incident that occurred last night resulted in a 31-year-old female and two children aged three and eight attacked with a corrosive substance which we have now confirmed to be an alkaline.
"A male was with them in the vicinity, a 35-year-old male called Abdul Ezedi.
"He left the scene but the injuries to the female and children, they're in a stable condition but they don't seem to be life-threatening but they could be life-changing."
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Today, 16:30 By Louis Allwood
Police confirm an alkaline corrosive was used
Although it was previously believed to be an acid attack, police confirmed an alkaline corrosive substance was used.
The update was released by the Met today as they continue to hunt the "dangerous" attacker.
In a press conference this afternoon, officers confirmed Ezedi has significant injuries to the right side of his face.
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Today, 16:00 By Louis Allwood
Video captures moment figure flees scene of attack
Images below show the moment a figure fled the scene of an attack where a mum and her daughters were injured in a chemical attack.
A man is seen fleeing the horror attack last night, Mail Online reports.
The figure briefly loses his footing on a speed bump as he runs down a residential street before vanishing from sight.
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Today, 15:30 By Louis Allwood
12 injured in attack
12 people were injured in the attack - including the 31-year-old mum and her daughters, aged three and eight.
None of their conditions are believed to be life-threatening, although the mum and her youngest child's wounds could be "life-changing".
Three women, aged in their 30s and 50s, were also hurt when they heroically rushed over to help the family.
A man in his 50s suffered minor injuries when he also stepped in, along with five police officers who raced to the scene.
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Today, 15:00 By Louis Allwood
Advice for public not to become 'secondary victims'
Dr Adrian Boyle, a spokesman for the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said it is important people rushing to help victims of acid attacks do not become secondary victims themselves.
He previously told The Sun Online: "It is vital to get across that people don't become secondary victims.
"If you see someone exposed to acid don't try and brush it off with your hands, or you'll end up burned yourself.
"If the substance is in powder form just brush it off, using a piece of clothing to protect your skin."
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Today, 14:30 By Louis Allwood
What to do in the event of an acid attack?
The NHS advises anyone involved in an acid attack must call 999 and ask for urgent help, the NHS advises.
You should then douse the victim in running water, rather than use a wet cloth.
The water dilutes the acid, and so it's important to keep refreshing with new, clean water, as quickly as possible.
HS England guidance Report, Remove, Rinse instructs anyone who comes across a victim how to help.
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Today, 14:10 By Louis Allwood
Where did the attack happen?
Last night at around 7:25pm police and firefighters attended Lessar Avenue in Clapham after a suspected “acid attack” left a mother and her two children injured.
Chilling footage shows a suspect running around a car and leaping in – before appearing to drive into a person stood in front of it.
The suspect is still at large.
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Today, 13:48 By Henry Moore
Suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi pictured
Alleged chemical attacker Abdul Shokoor Ezedi was last seen on Caledonian Road in north London.
Police last night launched a manhunt for the alleged attacker following an incident that left 12 injured.
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Today, 13:40 By Henry Moore
Suspect named as manhunt continues
The Clapham acid attacker has been named as Abdul Shokoor Ezedi after a mum and her two daughters were injured in a "targeted" rampage.
Ezedi is still at large after 12 people were injured in the horror attack in the south London neighbourhood at 7.25pm yesterday.
The 31-year-old mum and her daughters, aged 3 and 8, all remain in hospital after an alkaline substance was thrown at them.
‘DANGEROUS’ MAN ‘Acid attack’ fugitive named as mum & daughters, 3 & 8, injured in rampage
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Today, 13:30 By Louis Allwood
Who to contact
Any members of the public who can help with information or material regarding yesterday’s incident should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
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Today, 13:00 By Louis Allwood
Heroic bus driver recalls victim's screams
Mum-of-three Shannon Christie, who lives in a block of flats at the end of the road, stepped in to save the two girls after the thug “threw” one to the floor.
The bus driver, 35, said: “I heard the commotion and I ran outside.
“I saw a little girl being thrown to the floor.
“At that point I ran in and grabbed her off the floor.
“I heard her mum shouting ‘I can’t see, I can’t see’.
“So I called my partner to get some water.
“Staff at the hospital then came round and were dousing her with water.
“At that point my skin started to tingle.
“Me and the little girl went in to the block to wash our eyes and faces with water."
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Today, 12:36 By Louis Allwood
Injured police have left hospital
Five cops who were injured in the line of duty have left hospital, Superintendent Gabriel Cameron added.
He said: "All these members of the public, and my officers, deserve enormous recognition and praise for coming to the aid of this woman and children.
"It 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."
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Today, 12:00 By Louis Allwood
Hotel confirms guest were injured in attack
Clapham South Belvedere Hotel has confirmed "police and ambulance services were called to attend a serious incident in which guests at the Belvedere Hotel were a victim".
A statement to the BBC from the hotel reads: "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."
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Today, 11:36 By Louis Allwood
London Mayor breaks silence on attack
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has taken to social media to pay tribute to last night's victims.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter he said: "Last night’s incident in Clapham is truly shocking.
"My thoughts are with all those who have been injured, especially the woman and two children who remain in hospital.
"I’ve been in close contact with the Met Police since last night and want to pay tribute to the police officers who came to the family’s aid as well as the brave members of the public who came forward to help.
"The Met are doing all they can to urgently find the man seen fleeing the scene and have increased patrols in the local community. I urge anyone with any information to call the police on 101."
Last night’s incident in Clapham is truly shocking. My thoughts are with all those who have been injured, especially the woman and two children who remain in hospital.
I’ve been in close contact with the Met Police since last night and want to pay tribute to the police officers…
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) February 1, 2024
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Today, 11:18 By Louis Allwood
Metropolitan Police's Commissioner Mark Rowley condemns 'ghastly' attack
The Metropolitan Police's Commissioner has said it's a "difficult, difficult moment" for London following last night's attack.
Speaking to the BBC Mark Rowley added that attacks using "chemicals" or "acid" are "exceedingly rare" in London.
He has wished the families well and claimed that some of the injuries are "quite substantial".
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Today, 11:00 By Louis Allwood
Who to contact
Any members of the public who can help with information or material regarding yesterday’s incident should call 999 immediately ref CAD 7790/31 Jan.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
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