Police in Great Britain are actively searching for Abdul Ezedi, a man of Afghan origin, suspected of a serious chemical attack in Clapham, south London. The attacker, who is on the run, has been on the run for more than 72 hours since the incident. Ezedi, 35, with a criminal record that includes sexual offences, poses a significant threat, which is why police have advised the public to avoid any direct contact with him.
The mystery surrounding Ezedi’s family and national background is yet to be unraveled as police investigate his history to understand his motives and identity. The attack, which targeted a woman and her two children, left authorities piecing together Ezedi’s profile and the events leading up to the crime.
Ezedi’s journey to the United Kingdom began in 2016 when he entered the country hidden in a truck. After two unsuccessful attempts to obtain asylum based on his conversion to Christianity, he was finally granted refugee status sometime between 2020 and 2021. The turning point in his appeal came when the testimony of church members confirmed his religious conversion, as reported by the BBC.
Despite the success of his asylum appeal, little is known about Ezedi’s life before his arrival in the UK. He is known to have led a reclusive life in a hostel in Newcastle and had no immediate family connections in the country. The whereabouts and condition of his parents remain uncertain.
The stark contrast between the Home Office’s initial rejection and the court’s subsequent approval of his asylum status highlights the complex nature of the asylum process. Ezedi’s case highlights the obstacles facing asylum seekers, the critical role of community approval and the complexity of the legal system governing asylum.
Ezedi’s ethnic roots go back to Afghanistan, although specific details about his birth and early life are unclear. He previously claimed to the Home Office that he had fled Afghanistan due to persecution by the Taliban, including torture, but these claims were met with skepticism due to inconsistencies in his narrative.
In 2018, Ezedi faced the British justice system, receiving two consecutive suspended sentences for sexual offences. Before the attack in Clapham, he was staying in Newcastle before traveling to London, where the incident happened on Wednesday. Although a connection between Ezedi and the victims is believed to exist, its exact nature has yet to be determined.
Authorities have released CCTV footage showing Ezedi with distinctive facial injuries sustained during the escape. He was last seen in North London buying eggs at a Tesco Express store. In an effort to speed up his arrest, a substantial £20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture.