Rape suspect Joseph McCann was not in a car that crashed as it was chased by police.

McCann, 33, is wanted in connection with the abduction and rape of two women last Thursday, and the rape of a woman in Watford on April 21.

Two men fled from a Ford Mondeo after a crash in College Road, Abbots Langley, after it collided with two other vehicles yesterday.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it acted on information that a man matching the suspect’s description had been in the car – and tried to pull it over at 11.45am but the Mondeo failed to stop.

The car eventually crashed in College Road after hitting a blue Peugeot and a silver Vauxhall panel van.

Watford Observer:

After the crash yesterday, police revealed that a woman was forced into a blue Ford Mondeo in Hagden Lane, Watford, during the early hours of April 21. She was taken to several places in Watford by car, and at some point, she was raped.

Herts police are linking this incident to the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the double abduction and rape of women from Chingford and Edgware, who later escaped in Watford, last Thursday.

But Hertfordshire Constabulary say the Mondeo recovered yesterday in Abbots Langley is not linked to the rape investigation.

Watford Observer:

A spokesman for the force said: “The occupants of the Mondeo made off on foot, however they were traced and it was established that the suspect was not one of the occupants and the vehicle had no link with our ongoing investigation.”

A woman who was involved in the crash said she initially saw the Mondeo flying up a nearby hill and then a few minutes later, it lost control in College Road, after appearing to escape from the police, crashing into two vehicles.

She says two men got out and ran.

Another witness was travelling with her boyfriend when they came across the crash. They turned around and saw a man giving chase to one of the men who fled.

He initially managed to escape by climbing over garden fences.

A police helicopter was called in to search for the suspects.

A woman in the Peugeot was taken to Hemel Hempstead hospital, however she was discharged and she is now recovering at home.

McCann is described as "extremely dangerous" and police have offered a £20,000 reward for information which leads to his arrest.

Watford Observer:

Police are seeking Joseph McCann, pictured.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or 999 quoting CAD 3041/25Apr.

If McCann is seen, members of the public should not approach him, but dial 999 immediately.

Alternatively tweet @MetCC and or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.