Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson has spoken to reporters about the Clapham attack and subsequent hunt for the suspect, that continues into a second day.
They said: “First and foremost on the attack, obviously, it was a horrific attack and the prime minister’s thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
They added that the prime minister would “like to extend his thanks to the emergency services for the very quick response to the scene and the five officers who were injured in the incident”.
Asked about the immigration status of the suspect, the official declined to comment during a live police investigation but said that, more broadly, “the prime minister doesn’t think that foreign criminals should be able to stay in the country, putting the public at risk”.
What we know so far …
Scotland Yard continues to hunt a “significantly injured” suspect who allegedly left a “vulnerable” young woman and her toddler with potentially life-changing wounds after throwing a corrosive substance over them on Wednesday night in Clapham.
The last known confirmed sighting of Abdul Ezedi was in a Tesco in Caledonian Road, north London, about eight miles from the location of the attack. He is believed to have bought a bottle of water at 8.48pm on Wednesday before leaving the shop and turning right. Police believe he may be trying to head back to the north-east, where he lived.
The police have warned people not to approach him, but to call 999 if they see him. There is a telephone number to give any information on 0207 175 2784.
Three members of the public who came to the aid of the family attacked on Wednesday, two in their 30s and one in her 50s, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns. The Metropolitan police said five officers who responded to the incident were also treated and have now left hospital. It is yet to be confirmed what substance was used in the attack.
Ezedi is believed by British government officials to be an Afghan national who arrived by lorry in 2016, and who was subsequently granted asylum in the UK at the third attempt.
The Crown Prosecution Service have confirmed that in 2018, Ezedi was sentenced at Newcastle crown court after pleading guilty to sexual assault and exposure. He received a nine-week jail term suspended for two years for the sexual assault, and 36 weeks’ imprisonment to be served consecutively, also suspended, for exposure.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham, said the attack highlighted the issue of violence against women and girls, saying “that is something that is carried about by people whether they subscribe to a particular faith, whether they have a particular ethnicity, whether they were born in this country or not. It’s something that is right across our society and we need to look at prevention.”
A political row has developed with former immigration minister Robert Jenrick saying he expects the home secretary to carry out a “detailed review” of how Abdul Ezedi was granted asylum.
We will resume this live blog when there are further developments.
Updated
