CCTV appeal for suspected rapist after two women abducted in Edgware and Chingford

Police say they are working round the clock as the manhunt continues.

The image was captured in Watford as the suspect attempted to book a hotel room at around 1pm on Thursday.

Do you recognise this man?

Officers have this afternoon, Sunday, arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to rape and taken him into custody at a west London police station. The hunt for the rapist continues.

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.

The suspect then drove the women to the hotel in Watford but he was unable to book a room so left.

At 2.30pm, in Osborne Road, North Watford, his two victims fought back, escaping from his car, as passers-by stepped in to help.

Osborne Road was cordoned off by police for much of Thursday afternoon

The suspect is 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 is described as having a distinctive tattoo of the name ‘bobbie’ on his stomach.

Police urge the public to call 999 immediately if they spot or recognise the man pictured in the CCTV image.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who leads the investigation, said: “Our investigation into these appalling crimes is making good process and my team continue to work extremely hard but we urgently need the help of the public to identify and trace this man.

“I would ask everyone to take a good look at his image – does this man look familiar?

"Do you know anyone with the name ‘bobbie’ tattooed on his stomach?

"Did you see a man matching this description in and around the Chingford or Edgware areas on Thursday?

"We believe he travelled around north London and Hertfordshire in his car from the early hours of Thursday and he may have come into contact with other members of the public.

“Equally he may have abandoned his car somewhere - if an unfamiliar car of this description is now parked on your street, call police straight away.

"It is vitally important we catch this man, and while stranger attacks of this nature are thankfully rare, we would urge people to remain vigilant.”

The women, both in their 20s, 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 Police.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the incident room on 0208 785 8244 or 999 quoting CAD 3041/25Apr, or tweet @MetCC and or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.