Chemical Attack Suspect Abdul Ezedi Believed to Have Entered River Thames, Says Scotland Yard

Scotland Yard detectives leading the manhunt for wanted chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi said on Friday they believe he went into the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge. CCTV footage shows him disappearing from view after the attack.

London's Metropolitan Police, led by Scotland Yard detectives, have revealed that their investigation into the manhunt for wanted chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi has taken a new turn. They believe that Ezedi may have entered the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge.

CCTV Footage Examination and Last Confirmed Sighting

The Metropolitan Police have been meticulously examining CCTV footage to track Ezedi's movements. The last confirmed sighting of the suspect was on Chelsea Bridge shortly before 11:30 p.m. on January 31, the night of the attack in Clapham that left a mother and her two children severely injured. CCTV footage shows Ezedi disappearing from view at that point.

Specialist Team's Efforts and Commander's Statement

A specialist team from the Met Police has spent the last 24 hours gathering more footage from various sources, including passing buses, to ascertain what happened to Ezedi. Commander Jon Savell provided an update on the investigation, stating that all available evidence suggests Ezedi entered the water. He noted that Ezedi had walked for four hours through London after the attack, mostly along the river, despite suffering from significant injuries.

Expert Consultation and Survival Chances

Commander Savell revealed that experts from the National Crime Agency have been consulted, and based on the latest information, the chances of Ezedi surviving are extremely remote. Factors such as the time of night, the season, and entering the water from the middle of a bridge at height contribute to this assessment. The strong current of the Thames further diminishes the chances of survival.

Ongoing Search and Family Liaison

The Met Police's Marine Policing Unit will conduct boat searches at low tide in the area over the coming days, as no body has been recovered yet. Commander Savell also mentioned that Ezedi's family has been updated about the latest developments, and they are receiving support from a specialist family liaison officer.

Public Response and Victim's Condition

The police have received approximately 500 calls from individuals across London providing information about Ezedi and his possible whereabouts since the incident. Meanwhile, the 31-year-old woman who was critically injured in the attack remains in a critical but stable condition in the hospital, sedated and on a long road to recovery.

The investigation into the chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi has taken a new direction, with Scotland Yard detectives believing he may have entered the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge. The Met Police's ongoing efforts, expert consultations, and public support are crucial in determining the full circumstances surrounding this case.