RNLI Chiswick Lifeboat Joins Ezedi Search
Police believe he jumped into River Thames at Chelsea Bridge
The RNLI Chiswick Lifeboat on a previous callout. Picture: Stephen Butler/RNLI
February 12, 2024
The RNLI Lifeboat was seen this weekend taking part in the search for the body of Abdul Ezedi.
It was among a number of vessels including those of the Marine Policing Unit scouring the River Thames foreshore at low tide after police confirmed they thought it likely that the 35-year-old man had jumped off Chelsea Bridge.
Specialist diving teams have also been searching for his body on Saturday (10 February).
After being suspected of throwing a toxic chemical at a woman and two children, he was subject to a national manhunt but eventually analysis of CCTV footage showed that he had got onto the bridge on 31 January at 11:27pm, four hours after the attack, and was not seen again.
Within a few hours of the search beginning the bodies of two men were discovered, one near HMS Belfast close to Tower Bridge and the other in the Limehouse area of east London. Neither of the bodies found are believed to be Ezedi.
It is thought possible, because of the fast-flowing nature of tides at this time of year, Ezedi’s body may never be recovered as it could become snagged on something on the river bed.
The convicted sex offender, who gained asylum in this country after fleeing Afghanistan and converting to Christianity, had previously been in a relationship with the woman he attacked in Clapham last month. She remains in hospital and it is thought possible that she may lose the sight in one eye. The children are expected to make a full recovery.
The Met’s Commander Jon Savell said, "We have looked at all of the available cameras and angles, and with the assistance of Transport for London and CCTV from buses that were travelling over the bridge at the relevant time, and there is no sighting of him coming off the bridge."
Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart added, “When he got to the area of Chelsea Bridge, his behaviour visibly appeared to change in so much as he walked up and down the bridge, he pauses in the mid-point of the bridge, and he walks sort of to and from the side of the bridge and can be seen to lean over the railings before there is a loss of sight.”
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