Joseph McCann: Police hunt for man suspected of abducting and raping two women
'McCann is considered extremely dangerous and a risk to the public and we ask people not to approach him, but instead call 999,' says detective
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Detectives hunting a rapist who abducted two women off the streets of London have identified a 33-year-old suspect.
Scotland Yard said Joseph McCann, who has a slight Irish accent, has links to Watford, Aylesbury and Ipswich, and is known to use false names, including Joel.
Detective chief inspector Katherine Goodwin 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.”
The suspect is described as being of muscular build and 5ft 10ins tall with blue eyes, a bald head or shaved blond hair and a light-coloured short beard.
He has a slight Irish accent and a distinctive tattoo of the name “Bobbie” on his stomach.
Officers believe Mr McCann may attempt to disguise his appearance.
The first woman was abducted from a street in Chingford, north London, at about 12.30am on Thursday 25 April.
The second victim was then snatched from a street in Edgware at about 12.15pm.
The women, both in their 20s, were driven to a hotel in Watford where the suspect attempted to book a room at about 1pm.
When none were available, he left the premises.
The women managed to escape at about 2.30pm after a struggle on Osborne Road, in Watford.
Police released CCTV images of a suspect and a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier with false registration plates which they are attempting to trace.
A 33-year-old man arrested on Sunday 28 April on suspicion of conspiracy to rape has been released under investigation.
Anyone who can help is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or 999 quoting CAD 3041/25Apr.
Alternatively tweet @MetCC and or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.