Clapham chemical attack suspect believed to be dead after going into River Thames

Police hunting the Clapham chemical attack suspect say they believe he is dead after going into the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge in west London four hours after he left a woman severely injured.

- Vikram Dodd

Scotland Yard said Abdul Ezedi's body had not been found but he was last seen close to the river.

Officers had been looking for the 35-year-old since Wednesday last week, when he is suspected of using a strong alkaline substance in an attack on a mother and her daughters aged three and eight. The mother, 31, is still in hospital in an induced coma.

Detectives had used CCTV to track Ezedi's movements after the attack in Clapham, south London, on 31 January, just before 7.30pm.

Yesterday, Commander Jon Savell said CCTV tracked Ezedi to Chelsea Bridge. Up to this point his demeanour had been calm, but just before 11.28pm cameras showed him agitated, peering over the railing, and then disappearing from view.