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Abdul Ezedi’s last known sightings mapped as Clapham chemical attack suspect believed to be dead

A body strongly believed to be Abdul Ezedi’s was spotted by a passing boat crew near Tower Pier on Monday

Alexander Butler
Tuesday 20 February 2024 12:15 GMT
Moment armed police raid pizza takeaway where chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi worked

A body strongly believed to be Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi has been found in the River Thames, police said.

The Metropolitan Police recovered the body from the water near Tower Pier in central London after it was spotted by the crew of a passing boat.

It comes after the force said it was clear Ezedi “walked with purpose” while hugging the Thames river line on 31 January, before pausing half way down Chelsea Bridge, walking to and from the side and leaning over the railings.

“Based on the distinctive clothing he was wearing at the time of the attack and property found on his body, we strongly believe we have recovered the body of Ezedi.

“We have been in contact with his family to pass on the news,” Commander Jon Savell said. Police will now use DNA testing and dental records to confirm the body’s identity.

So what were Ezedi’s movements, and where was his body found? The Independent has put together a map and timeline of all the developments below:

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Wednesday 31 January

12.15am

Detectives say Ezedi’s vehicle was seen in Newcastle shortly after midnight last Wednesday.

6.30am

The vehicle was seen travelling into Tooting, south London.

4.30pm

A further sighting of his car was confirmed in Croydon at 4.30pm.

7pm

He is seen driving into Streatham.

7.25pm

The attack takes place in Lessar Avenue on a 31-year-old woman, who was with her daughters, aged three and eight. Ezedi was previously in a relationship with the woman, but he is not the father of the children.

Ezedi allegedly throws the younger child to the ground and makes off in his car, which crashes into a stationary vehicle nearby. He then runs off.

The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene, with 12 people, including five officers, injured.

CCTV appears to capture moment Clapham ‘acid attack’ unfolded at around 7.25pm last Wednesday

7.33pm

The suspect boarded a Northern line train at Clapham South Tube station.

7.59pm

He leaves that train at King’s Cross Tube station.

8.42pm

He is seen on CCTV leaving Tesco at 21 Caledonian Road. He exits and turns right. He has significant injuries and is believed to have bought a bottle of water.

He was seen on CCTV leaving a Tesco Express at 21 Caledonian Road, near King’s Cross (PA)

9pm

Ezedi enters King’s Cross Tube station and boards a Victoria Line Tube southbound.

9.10pm

Ezedi arrives at Victoria Station and then boards a District Line Tube eastbound at 9.16pm.

9.33pm

He is seen leaving Tower Hill Underground Station.

9.47pm

Ezedi is seen on Allhallows Lane in the City of London. He travels through a passage to Cousin Lane and then turns right, walking towards Upper Thames Street.

He was seen on Allhallows Lane in the City of London at 9.47pm (PA Media)

9.51pm

He turns left onto Upper Thames Street and travels along the street at 9.54pm.

9.59pm

Ezedi passes the City of London School on Paul’s Walk, heading towards Blackfriars Bridge, passing the riverboat pier.

10.04pm

He passes the Unilever building and heads towards Victoria Embankment.

10.06pm

Ezedi passes Carmelite House, at the junction with Carmelite Street, heading towards Temple.

10.28pm

He passes Westminster Pier, goes up the steps and continues towards Westminster.

10.33pm

Ezedi is seen walking south on Westminster bridge.

10.36pm

He walks across Westminster Bridge, heading down the steps on the London Eye side towards Lambeth.

10.42pm

Ezedi was seen walking west on south Thames Path towards Lambeth Bridge.

10.55pm

He travels along the Albert Embankment approaching Vauxhall Bridge.

11.00pm

Ezedi crosses Vauxhall Bridge towards stairs on the Houses of Parliament side of the river.

11.03pm

He crosses Vauxhall Bridge Road, into Grosvenor Road.

11.10pm

Ezedi walks westbound past the Shell petrol station.

11.19pm

He passes the Thames Water Building, Grosvenor Road, heading towards Chelsea Bridge.

11.25pm

He crosses over Chelsea Bridge and enters Battersea Park.

The last know sighting of him was on Chelsea Bridge at 11.25pm (PA)

11.27pm

In his last sighting, Ezedi is seen walking on the Chelsea Bridge again before leaning over the railings.

Monday 19 February

4pm

A body strongly suspected to be Ezedi’s is spotted by a passing boat crew near Tower Pier in London. Police are now using DNA testing and dental records to confirm the body’s identity.

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