THE suspect in an alkali attack in Clapham, in south-west London, had claimed to have converted to Christianity before his asylum claim was approved, it was reported on Thursday.
In a report published on Thursday evening, The Daily Telegraph said that Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, an Afghan national, had twice been denied asylum, before succeeding after “a priest backed up his claim that he had converted to Christianity”.
Mr Ezedi is suspected of carrying out an attack on a lady and two children in Clapham, on Wednesday evening, using a corrosive substance to inflict injuries that, within the case of the mother, the Metropolitan Police describe as “life-changing”.
Four members of the general public were injured as they tried to assist on the scene of the incident, together with five law enforcement officials.
A Church House spokesperson said on Friday: “This is clearly a shocking and distressing incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by it.
“It is the role of the Home Office, and never the Church, to vet asylum-seekers and judge the merits of their individual cases.”
Details of Mr Ezedi’s reference to Christianity remain sparse, and it’s unknown whether the priest was a C of E one.
Several churches in the realm where the suspect was believed to be living in Newcastle have been contacted. None had any knowledge of Mr Ezedi’s ever attending or otherwise being involved with the church.
His whereabouts are currently unknown. On Friday, Cmdr Jon Savell, who’s leading the investigation, called on him to present himself up. The police released a picture of Mr Ezedi, sighted at 21 Caledonian Road, London N1, at 8.48 p.m. on Wednesday. It shows what appears to be significant injuries to the precise side of his face. Members of the general public were warned to not approach him.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Mr Ezedi was convicted of a sexual assault and indecent exposure in 2018, and received a suspended sentence on each counts.
