What we know about Abdul Shokoor Ezedi's movements
- Published
More than one week on from the chemical attack in London that left a mother and her daughters in hospital, the suspect, Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, is thought to have died.
The 35-year-old was last seen on the day of the attack and police believe he went into the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge. Police boats are now searching for his body.
During the manhunt, a detailed picture of his movements on the day - Wednesday 31 January - emerged in which police said they were working tirelessly to track Ezedi down.
His car was spotted in Newcastle shortly after midnight but had travelled almost 300 miles (480km) to reach Tooting in south London at 06:30 GMT. It was then spotted in Croydon on the edge of the capital at 16:30.
Police say there is a "very strong indication" that Ezedi, who is believed to have travelled to the UK on a lorry from Afghanistan in 2016, had been in a relationship with the woman hurt in the attack and had arranged to meet her in London.
They say the breakdown of their relationship may have been his motive.
His car was spotted in Streatham, south London, at 19:00. Some 25 minutes later in Lessar Avenue, Clapham, the attack, which involved the use of a "very strong concentrated corrosive substance", took place inside the vehicle.
Residents who heard a "crash" and a "cry for help" rushed to their aid and one witness told the BBC they saw the suspect lift a young child over his head and throw her on to the ground like a "rag doll", adding it was like a "horror movie".
The 31-year-old woman remains sedated in hospital and police say she may lose sight in her right eye as a result. Her daughters - aged three and eight - have been discharged and are recovering.
Five Met Police officers were injured as they responded, as were four members of the public who tried to help. Ezedi himself was also injured.
His car was found abandoned after crashing nearby and police say he then boarded a train at Clapham South Underground Station - with further sightings at and around King's Cross Underground Station, before he travelled by Tube to Tower Hill.
While at King's Cross he was caught on CCTV buying a bottle of water at Tesco Express on Caledonian Road. The image clearly shows the injury he sustained to his face during the attack - an injury police later described as "very significant" and potentially even fatal if not treated.
After leaving Tower Hill Underground Station he was spotted at several points as he made his way west - first along the north of the Thames and then, after crossing at Westminster Bridge along the south of the river. He crossed back over Vauxhall Bridge.
The last confirmed sighting of Ezedi was crossing over Chelsea Bridge before 23:30.
Police say they have received more than 600 calls relating to the attack in the past week and have carried out a string of searches at addresses in both London and Newcastle - including two in the early hours of Thursday 8 February at a pizza takeaway in Newcastle where he worked and a flat above.
The Met said the manhunt involved more than 100 officers, and was being supported by even more officers from forces across the UK, including Northumbria Police and British Transport Police.
They also brought in experts in tracking offenders using CCTV from their Counter Terrorism fugitive team - and have released several CCTV images of Ezedi along the route - including on Albert Embankment moments before the final sighting.
However, with more than a week gone it appears officers now think he could be dead.
"He walks purposefully. Halfway across Chelsea Bridge he pauses and paces back and forth towards the railings, as well as looking over them, this is a change in behaviour. Then he is lost from sight," Cdr Jon Savell said.
"At that time of night, at this time of year, and entering the water from the middle of a bridge at height, the chances of Ezedi surviving are extremely remote."
He added the force still has enquiries to complete, but looking at all possible camera angles the Met is satisfied he has gone into the water.
Written and produced by Dominic Bailey, Chris Clayton, Kate Gaynor and Kady Wardell
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