Detectives have named the “extremely dangerous” man they are hunting over the abduction and rape of two women.
Joseph McCann, 32, is being hunted by cops after two women, both in their 20s, were grabbed off the street and bundled into a people carrier in separate attacks on the same day.
Both women were left “traumatised” after being kidnapped and raped, police said, that occurred on April 25.
McCann was described as muscular and 5ft 10ins tall, with a bald head or shaved blond hair with a light-coloured short beard.
The suspected kidnapper has been using the fake name ‘Joel’ and has a tattoo of the name ‘Bobbie’ on his stomach.
McCann, who speaks with a slight Irish accent, could have changed or disguised his appearance, according to police.
Detectives said that one victim was grabbed in Chingford, east London, in the early hours in an apparently random attack.
The next woman was seized around 15 miles away in Edgware, north west London, around midday in the second incident.
Both were then driven to a hotel in Watford, where McCann allegedly made an attempt to book a room before leaving.
Soon afterwards, a struggle between the women and the suspect broke out, allowing the victims to escape his clutches.
Officers released a CCTV image of the suspect, captured by cameras at a hotel in the Watford area around 1pm on April 25.
Police are still trying to trace a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier that had false registration plates.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “The women have been left traumatised and are receiving support from specialist officers.
“The investigation, into what officers are treating as two random but linked attacks, is being led by officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, supported by other specialist and local officers as well as Hertfordshire Constabulary.
“A 33-year-old man arrested on Sunday, 28 April on suspicion of conspiracy to rape has been released under investigation.”
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “We would ask anyone with any information about McCann’s whereabouts to contact us immediately.
“McCann is considered extremely dangerous and a risk to the public and we ask people not to approach him, but instead call 999.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers. It is vitally important we trace him in connection with these offences.
“My team continues to work around the clock and we are making progress in furthering the investigation.”
