Joseph McCann, 34, is wanted in connection with the rape and abduction of two women in London last week. A police reward of up to £20,000 has now been secured for information which leads to the arrest and prosecution of McCann in connection with the investigation.
The CCTV image previously released was captured by cameras at a hotel in the Watford area around 13:00hrs on Thursday, 25 April.
The first woman had been abducted from a street in Chingford at approximately 00:30hrs on Thursday, 25 April and the second woman taken from a street in Edgware 12 hours later, at 12:15hrs.
The women were driven to the hotel in Watford and an attempt was made to book a room around 13:00hrs.
When this was unavailable, the suspect left the premises.
Around 14:30hrs, a struggle between the women and the suspect took place on Osborne Road in Watford and the women managed to escape.
Officers are still to trace a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier in connection with the offences.
This had false registration plates.
Any information about this vehicle should also be passed to the investigating team.
Investigators are aware of a third rape attack which occurred in Watford in the early hours of Sunday, 21 April. Whilst that investigation is being looked at by Hertfordshire police, we remain in close contact with our policing counterparts there to help trace and detain McCann.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin continues to lead enquiries. She said: “We would like to thank members of the public who have helped our investigation into these two attacks.
“The women who were subjected to these terrifying ordeals are being supported by our specialist officers.
“I would like to highlight that stranger attacks like this are extremely rare and we appreciate the worry that this will have generated in the areas affected.
“If you see Joseph McCann, do not approach him as he is considered extremely dangerous but instead call 999 immediately.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the man sought in connection with these offences is located as quickly as possible.”
McCann also has links to Watford in Hertfordshire, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.
He is known to use false names, most recently Joel.
McCann is described as being of muscular build and 5ft 10ins tall. He has blue eyes, a bald head or shaved blond hair with a light-coloured short beard. He has a slight Irish accent. He is described as having a distinctive tattoo of the name ‘bobbie’ on his stomach.
Officers believe McCann may attempt to disguise his appearance.
A 33-year-old man arrested on Sunday, 28 April on suspicion of conspiracy to rape has been released under investigation.
Anyone who can help is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or 999 quoting CAD 3041/25Apr.
If McCann is seen, members of the public should not approach him, but dial 999 immediately.
Alternatively tweet @MetCC and or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.