Clapham chemical attack – live: Witness who helped victims recalls ‘horrific’ aftermath as manhunt continues

3 Feb 2024 • 8:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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A bystander who witnessed and suffered injuries in the Clapham chemical attack has said the incident was “traumatising” and “indescribable”.

It comes as a manhunt for chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi has entered its third day.

The 35-year-old from the Newcastle area is being sought by police in connection with an incident where a mother and two children were doused with an alkaline substance in Clapham, south London on Wednesday night.

Rachel, who did not want to disclose her surname, said she had “never witnessed anything so horrific in my life”.

Speaking to The Times, she said: “The screaming was so intense, it sounded like something serious was going on out there. That made me go outside.”

Ezedi was last seen boarding a southbound Victoria Tube at King’s Cross less than 90 minutes after the attack in Clapham, police revealed, as they published the last-known image of the 35-year-old fugitive, featuring severe burn marks down the right side of his face.

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