A 35-year-old refugee suspected of carrying out Clapham's chemical attack was granted asylum on his third attempt after obtaining a reference from a local priest, GB News has been told.
Abdul Shakoor Ezedi converted to Christianity after his first asylum bid failed.
The convicted sex offender, who arrived illegally in the UK in the back of a lorry in 2016, was twice denied asylum.
However, GB News understands the Afghan's third asylum claim was approved after a priest provided a reference following his conversion.
London chemical attack suspect Abdul Shakoor Ezedi received a recommendation for asylum from a priest
MET POLICE/PA
The priest vouched for his conversion and argued he was "wholly committed" to his new religion.
Ezedi's case is already being compared to Liverpool bomber Emad Al Swealmeen's asylum bid after allegedly finding Jesus to improve his claim.
Ezedi was granted asylum at least three years after he was convicted of "sexual assault/exposure" in 2018.
He was discharged from probation supervision after only receiving a suspended sentence in 2020.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Lessar Avenue in Clapham CommonGoogle MapsWednesday's chemical attack in Clapham resulted in 12 people being injured.
The incident saw a 31-year-old woman and her two daughters, who were known to Ezedi, attacked with a corrosive alkaline substance.
Ezedi later attempted to run the family over as reports suggest the trio could have sustained "life-changing" injuries.
The mother reportedly screamed "my eyes" following the attack.
Police released an image of the 35-year-old taken an hour after the attack on the other side of London with his face visibly disfigured.
Police update on Clapham acid attack GB News He reportedly travelled to South London from Newcastle.
Revealing the new image of Ezedi as the chemical attack manhunt continues, Superintendent Gabriel Cameron said in a statement: "The image is taken from the Tesco store, where Ezedi is believed to have purchased a bottle of water. He left the shop and turned right.
"The image shows Ezedi with what appears to be significant injuries to the right side of his face. This makes him distinctive.
"If you see Ezedi, call 999 immediately. He should NOT be approached."
Abdul Ezedi has been named as a suspectPABoth Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police are helping the Scotland Yard with the manhunt.
Home Secretary James Cleverly described the attack as "appalling".
He added: “My thoughts are with them and the brave members of the public and police who intervened.
"I ask the public to support the Metropolitan Police’s appeal and to come forward if they have any information.”