Police hunting for Clapham alkali attack suspect Abdul Ezedi believe his body has been found in the water at Tower Pier on the River Thames.
The crew of a passing boat reported they had seen a body in the water at 4pm on Monday, before it was recovered by the Met’s Marine Policing Unit.
Ezedi was suspected to have thrown a corrosive substance over a mother and her two children in Clapham on Wednesday, 31 January.
A man hunt was launched following the attack and an investigation led detectives to believe Ezedi had entered the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge.
Abdul Ezedi's body FOUND as police confirm chemical attacker pulled from River ThamesAbdul Ezedi's body FOUND as police confirm chemical attacker pulled from River ThamesThe last CCTV images of Ezedi shows him crossing Chelsea Bridge but the convicted sex offender then disappears from view.
Police previously warned that a 31-year old victim may lose sight in her right eye.
But in an update, officers say her condition has improved and she is no longer sedated.
Commander Jon Savell said: "Based on the distinctive clothing he was wearing at the time of the attack and property found on his body, we strongly believe we have recovered the body of Ezedi. We have been in contact with his family to pass on the news.
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"As you may expect after a considerable period of time in the strong current of the Thames, formal identification is not possible visually, nor from fingerprints.
"We will work with the coroner on other ways to complete formal identification, such as DNA testing and dental records. That may take some time.
"Our enquiries continue into the attack. I am pleased to say the condition of the 31-year-old woman has improved. She remains in hospital but she is in a stable condition and no longer sedated.
"We have still not been able to speak to her but hope to as soon as she is well enough.
The Metropolitan Police ramped up its search for Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi
PA"Again, I thank all those hundreds of members of the public who called us with information during the hunt for Ezedi. The public support for our investigation was overwhelming and every piece of information provided was followed up."
The 35-year-old is thought to have traveled from Newcastle to South West London where the attack was carried out.
He was convicted of two sexual offences in Newcastle in 2018 prior to being granted asylum.