Police have released the image of a vehicle believed to have been used to abduct two women who were raped during a “terrifying” 12-hour ordeal in London.
The victims of the attacks, which took place between 12.30am and 2.30pm on Thursday, are continuing to receive specialist support after escaping their captor in a quiet residential street in Watford, Hertfordshire.
The two women, who are both in their 20s, were snatched separately in Chingford and Edgware several hours apart.
Detectives have now warned the public that the suspect – described as white and in his 20s or 30s – is a “danger to women” and could still be driving the Ford S-Max car.
Police have described the attacks as “random”. No arrests have been made and officers described the suspect as a white man of muscular build, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, with a bald head or shaved blond hair and a light-coloured short beard. He was also said to have tattoos.
The car he was driving is believed to be a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier, with false registration plates, Scotland Yard said.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who is leading the investigation, said on Saturday: “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, 25 April 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.”