Police searching for the Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi say “death is the most probable outcome”, as they search the River Thames for a body.

Ezedi has been on the run for over a week following the southwest London incident that 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.”

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.

The Met had launched a manhunt for Ezedi, 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.

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Timeline of hunt for Ezedi

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The investigation continues with a “significant number of people” dedicated to finding out what happened.

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