Police have named a prime suspect wanted in connection with the abduction and rape of two women in north London.
Officers said they are hunting Joseph McCann, 33 in connection with the attacks on Sunday April 25 in Watford. Police have described him as "extremely dangerous" and a risk to the public.
McCann has links to Watford in Hertfordshire, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.
He is known to use false names, most recently Joel.
Police described McCann as being of muscular build and 5ft 10ins tall. He has blue eyes, a bald head or shaved blond hair with a light-coloured short beard. He has a slight Irish accent. He is described as having a distinctive tattoo of the name ‘bobbie’ on his stomach.
Detectives investigating the attacks say they believe McCann may have tried to alter his identity and warned members of the public not to approach him.
Police said they identified McCann after issuing CCTV of a suspect captured on cameras at a hotel in the Watford area at around 1pm on Thursday, 25 April.
The two women were abducted from Chingford and Edgware on April 25.
The first woman was taken from a street in Chingford at approximately 12.30am on Thursday, 25 April and the second woman taken from a street in Edgware 12 hours later.
They were taken to the hotel where a man attempted to book a room, but left when there was none available, police said.
The pair were said to have escaped during a "struggle" by smashing a glass bottle over the man's head .
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.”
The women, both in their 20s, have been left traumatised and are receiving support from specialist officers.
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 can call 020 8785 8244 or 999 quoting CAD 3041/25Apr or tweet @MetCC and or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.
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