Further details of suspect after two women were abducted in Chingford and Edgware before escaping in Watford

Detectives are seeking the public’s help to trace a man who may be driving a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier used to carry out the “random but linked attacks” in Watford on Thursday (April 25).

The first victim was abducted from a street in Chingford at approximately 00.30am that day.

The second from a street in Edgware at 12.15pm.

Both women, 20s, were then brought to a location in Osborne Road, North Watford. They managed to escape at around 2.30pm after a struggle with their attacker.

Osborne Road

Both victims are receiving support from specialists.

Police said they now believe the suspect is a white man of muscular build, in his late 20s or early 30s, with a bald head or shaved blond hair and a light-coloured short beard. He is also said to have tattoos.

No arrest has been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “My team has been working extremely hard to identify the suspect behind these appalling crimes, and our reviews of CCTV and forensic evidence are ongoing.

“We are 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.

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

“The two victims have been left traumatised by the attacks. 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.

“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.”

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.