Joseph McCann named as man wanted in connection with rape and abduction of two women

Detectives have named a man wanted in connection with the abduction and rape of two women.

On Sunday, police released a CCTV image of a suspect and based on this appeal, they believe the man is 33-year-old Joseph McCann.

McCann, who police say is "extremely dangerous and should not be approached" has links to Watford in Hertfordshire, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.

He is known to use false names, most recently Joel.

Last Thursday, just before midday, Hertfordshire Constabulary appealed for information to find McCann who is wanted on recall to prison.

Joseph McCann. Credit: Met Police

McCann is described 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.

Officers believe McCann may attempt to disguise his appearance.

The CCTV image was captured by cameras at a hotel in the Watford area, believed to be the Phoneix Lodge in St Albans Road, at around 1pm on Thursday.

The first woman was abducted from a street in Chingford at approximately 12.30am on Thursday and the second woman taken from a street in Edgware 12 hours later, at 12.15pm.

The women were driven to the hotel in Watford and an attempt was made to book a room around 1pm. When this was unavailable, the suspect left the premises.

At around 2.30pm, a struggle between the women and the suspect took place in Osborne Road in Watford and the women managed to escape. One of the victims had smashed a bottle of vodka over their attacker's head before they both ran to a nearby building for safety.

Police in Osborne Road

Officers are still to trace a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier in connection with the offences. This had false registration plates. Any information about this vehicle should also be passed to the investigating team.

Police are trying to trace this vehicle

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.

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 Constabulary.

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.