Police name Joseph McCann as suspected rapist accused of abducting two women

Detectives have named a suspected rapist accused of abducting two women off the streets as an “extremely dangerous” 33-year-old man.

Scotland Yard said on Tuesday that the man they are hunting is Joseph McCann, but officers warned he is also known to use false names and may be using a disguise.

He is accused of separately snatching two women, one of whom is Jewish, in their 20s in north London on Thursday.

Police described McCann as being muscular, about 5ft 10in and having a “distinctive” tattoo of the name “bobbie” on his stomach.

He is said to have blue eyes, a bald head or shaved blond hair with a light-coloured beard, and a “slight” Irish accent.

Officers said he has recently gone by the name of Joel and has links to Watford, north-west London, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and Ipswich in Suffolk.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin 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.”