Man-hunt for Chingford rapist

POLICE ARE trying to find Joseph McCann, 34, who is wanted in connection with the kidnap and rape of two women – one abducted from a street in Chingford just after midnight last Thursday and the second taken from a street in Edgware just after noon on the same day.

Police have not released details of the women’s ordeals while they were being held. However, they have confirmed that the two were taken to a hotel in Watford at around 1pm. Their captor tried to book a room in the hotel, but no rooms were available and he left. Around an hour and a half later the two women and their captor were in Osborne Road, Watford: the women began to struggle with their kidnapper and were able to escape.

CCTV images of the man police tried to trace – later identified as Joseph McCann.

McCann was identified after police appealed for information about a man who had been caught on CCTV at a hotel in Watford where, it is believed, the women were taken. Police received information which led them to believe the man they are looking for is Joseph McCann.

McCann is described as being 5ft 10ins tall and of muscular build. He has blue eyes and blond hear which he wears very short or shaves off, leaving his head bald. He usually has a short and light coloured beard. He has a slight Irish accent and a tattoo of the name “bobbie” on his stomach.

McCann has links to Watford in Hertfordshire, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and Ipswich in Suffolk. He is known to have used false names in the past and it is possible he is now using the name “Joel”. He may also be trying to disguise himself by altering his physical appearance.

This is an image of the car police want to trace.

Police are also trying to trace a silver or grey Ford S-Max people carrier, which had false number plates, in connection with this matter.

A 33 year old man was arrested on Sunday, 28th April, on suspicion of conspiracy to rate and has been released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, from the Metropolitan Police 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.”

•Anyone who has any information about McCann and his whereabouts or about the vehicle is asked to call the incident room on 020-8785 8244, quoting reference CAD 3041/25Apr. Anyone who sees McCann should call 999. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

•Read more about it:
Is wanted man at loose in East London?
Tower Hamlets Two jailed for sexual assault