Rapist is ‘danger to women’ police warn as manhunt continues for attacker who abducted two in north London

'It may be that he is still driving around in this car or he has parked somewhere'

Adam Forrest
Saturday 27 April 2019 19:57 BST
Picture of silver or grey Ford S-Max people carrier released by Scotland Yard
Picture of silver or grey Ford S-Max people carrier released by Scotland Yard

A rapist who remains on the loose after he abducted and assaulted two women in north London, has been described as a "danger" by detectives hunting him.

Scotland Yard investigators warned the public to be vigilant after the man snatched the victims, both in their 20s, separately. He took the first shortly after midnight on Thursday from a street in Chingford and the second 12 hours later from a street in Edgware.

Both managed to escape after a struggle in Watford later that afternoon.

London's Metropolitan Police said they were hunting a “muscular” white male in his late 20s or early 30s, with a bald head or shaved blonde hair and a light-coloured short beard. He also has tattoos.

The force also released an image of the car believed to have been used in the “random” attacks, taken from CCTV. It is believed to be a silver or grey Ford S-Max people carrier with false registration plates.

“This person is clearly a danger to women but I want to assure people that we are following up on every piece of information received and will not let up in our efforts to identify the man behind these attacks,” said Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin.

“Stranger attacks like this are extremely rare. That being said, I would urge everyone in these areas to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately via 999.”

DCI Goodwin, who is leading the investigation, said her team were 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 April 25 and he may have come into contact with other members of the public. If you were in these areas on Thursday and were approached by a stranger in similar circumstances, or saw anything that roused your suspicion or made you feel uncomfortable, get in touch now.”

She added: “We have now released details of the car the suspect was driving. It may be that he is still driving around in this car or he has parked somewhere.

Manhunt launched after two women abducted and raped in ‘random’ north London attacks

“If an unfamiliar car like the one pictured is now parked on your street, call police straight away.”

DCI Goodwin said the two victims have been left traumatised by the attacks. She explained police reviews of CCTV and forensic evidence are ongoing.

Anyone with information concerning this incident 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.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in