The Clapham chemical attack suspect is most probably dead, police say, as they search the River Thames for a body.
Abdul Ezedi, who has been on the run for over a week, was believed to have gone in the water following the incident in southwest London last month.
The attack left 12 people injured, including a mother, 31, and her two daughters, aged three and eight. The woman’s injuries are thought to be “life-changing”.
The last sighting of the 35-year-old suspect was on Chelsea bridge just before 11.30pm on Wednesday 31 January, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The force said he “walked with purpose” before the bridge and then “his behaviour visibly” changed.
“He walks up and down and can be seen leaning over the railings,” said a Met spokesman.
He added: “The Thames is very fast flowing this time of year and very wide, it is possible he may never be found.”
Police added that “death is the most probable outcome”.
Commander Jon Savell said if Ezedi had not gone into the water, officers would have had a high degree of confidence of finding him.
No CCTV of the suspect was seen after this point, the force confirmed.
A behavioural psychologist commissioned by the police viewed the footage and believes it was possible he could have taken his own life.
He went on the run following the attack involving a corrosive alkaline substance in Clapham on the evening of 31 January.
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How Clapham attack unfolded
The woman hurt in the incident was Ezedi’s ex-partner, with police saying the breakdown of the relationship may have been a motive for the harrowing attack.
She may lose sight in her right eye and remains sedated in hospital, still too ill to speak to police.
The Met launched a manhunt for Ezedi last week, with assistance from the British Transport Police and officers with Northumbria Police in Newcastle, where he lived.
Police had warned the public that Ezedi was “dangerous” and should not be approached while it was thought he was on the loose.
The attack on Lessar Avenue, near Clapham Common, was captured on CCTV.
Read more:
Timeline of hunt for Ezedi
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How Clapham attack unfolded
The investigation continues with a “significant number of people” dedicated to finding out what happened.
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