Police issue image of car believed used in two abductions and rape attacks in London

Police have issued this image of the vehicle they believe the suspect used. Credit: Metropolitan Police

Police have released an image of a car believed used by a man who abducted and then raped two women "at random" in London.

The car the suspect was driving is believed to be a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier, with false registration plates.

Detectives have also issued an updated description of the man they are hunting.

He has been described as a white man of muscular build, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, with a bald head or shaved blond hair and a light-coloured short beard. He was also said to have tattoos.

The two women managed to escape. Credit: PA

The first woman was abducted from a street in Chingford, north east London on Thursday, April 25, at about 12.30am.

The second woman was abducted from a street in Edgware, north west London, at 12.15pm on the same day.

Both women, who are in their 20s, managed to escape from the man after a struggle on Osborn Road in Watford at about 2.30pm.

They are now receiving support from specialist officers.

An investigation is underway led by officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command and supported by other specialist and local officers.

In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, from the Metropolitan Police said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for both women who were abducted by the suspect in separate areas.

"At this stage there is nothing to suggest either victims were specifically targeted for any reason, but both appear to have been selected at random.

"Stranger attacks like this are extremely rare."

She added: “We are continuing to speak to both women to obtain a complete picture of what happened after they were abducted.

"At this stage we believe that the suspect travelled around north London and Hertfordshire in his car from the early hours of Thursday, 25 April and he may have come into contact with other members of the public."

Det Ch Insp Goodwin appealed to anyone who may spot the car parked on a street or is seen spotted driving around to call the incident room on 0208 785 8244 or phone 999.