Abdul Ezedi was at the centre of a massive manhunt before his body was found in the River Thames, more than two weeks after an attack.
Tuesday 23 July 2024 12:28, United Kingdom
Clapham chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi killed himself by jumping into the Thames hours after attacking a woman and two girls, a coroner has ruled.
Police began searching for the 35-year-old man after the attack in south London on January 31.
The pizza delivery man is believed to have entered the Thames later that day and his body was found just under Chelsea Bridge on February 19.
Senior coroner Mary Hassell ruled out the possibility that Ezedi was pushed or fell into the water by accident and ruled that he committed suicide and drowned.
She told the inquest at Poplar Coroner’s Court in east London: “The circumstances surrounding his death are partly clear.
“Evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service shows that it is likely that he entered the Thames at Chelsea Bridge at around 11.30pm.
“It seems likely to me that he drowned almost immediately and, although he was not found until 19 February 2024, I would date his death to 31 January.”
Ms Hassell added: “Given the circumstances, particularly what happened on the day, I think it is likely that he jumped into the water, and I think it is likely that he did so with the intention of taking his own life.”
Police believe Ezedi, from the Newcastle area, sprayed his ex-girlfriend, a mother-of-two, with a corrosive chemical.
After Ezedi, originally from the Newcastle area, fled the scene, he initially used his bank card to travel on the Tube before walking a route largely along the banks of the Thames in the hours that followed.
This breaking news story is currently being updated and more details will be released soon.
Please refresh the page for the full version.
You can receive news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our Youtube channel to keep up to date with the latest news.
