Body found in search for Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi

A body has been found in the River Thames, which officers believe to be of the Clapham chemical attack suspect, Abdul Ezedi. The body has been recovered from the Tower Pier area of London.

Ezedi is suspected of throwing an alkaline substance in the face of his ex-partner, and her two young children. He then fled the area, with officers launching a large scale manhunt, where they suspected he entered the River Thames near Chelsea Bridge.

A crew of a passing boat reported seeing a body at Tower Pier on Monday afternoon, which was recovered by the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit. Investigators working on the Clapham chemical attack case have seen the body.

Commander Jon Savell told reporters: “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. As you may expect after a considerable period of time in the strong current of the Thames, formal identification is not possible visually, nor from fingerprints.

We will work with the coroner on other ways to complete formal identification, such as DNA testing and dental records. That may take some time."

Police said on Tuesday that the condition of the woman has improved. She remains in a stable condition in hospital, and is no longer sedated. Savell said officers have still not been able to speak to her, but hope to as soon as she is well enough.