Police offer £20,000 for information on Joseph McCann wanted in connection with double rape
Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of a man wanted in connection with the rape and abduction of two women.
The suspect has been named as 34-year-old Joseph McCann, who is said to have a slight Irish accent and is also known to use false names, including Joel.
He has links to Watford in Hertfordshire, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.
Metropolitan Police say he is "extremely dangerous and a risk to the public."
The two women were abducted from the streets of north London on Thursday and driven to a hotel.
The first woman was abducted from a street in Chingford at around 12.30am on Thursday and the second woman was taken from a street in Edgware 12 hours later, at 12.15pm.
They were driven to a hotel in Watford and the suspect tried to book a room at around 1pm, but left when no room was available.
A struggle between the suspect and the two women took place at around 2.30pm in Osborne Road, Watford and the women managed to escape.
A CCTV image of the suspect was captured by cameras at the Watford hotel and circulated by police.
McCann is 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 distinctive tattoo of the name ‘bobbie’ on his stomach.
But Met Police officers believe McCann may attempt to disguise his appearance.
Officers are still to trace a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier in connection with the offences, which has false registration plates.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: "We would like to thank members of the public who have helped our investigation into these two attacks.
“The women who were subjected to these terrifying ordeals are being supported by our specialist officers.
“I would like to highlight that stranger attacks like this are extremely rare and we appreciate the worry that this will have generated in the areas affected.
“If you see Joseph McCann, do not approach him as he is considered extremely dangerous but instead call 999 immediately.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the man sought in connection with these offences is located as quickly as possible.”
The attacks are being treated as random but linked.
A 33-year-old man arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to rape has been released under investigation.
Anyone who can help is asked to call 020 8785 8244 or 999 quoting CAD 3041/25Apr.
Alternatively tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.