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

Victims bundled into car in Chingford and Edgware before later escaping together in Watford

A manhunt has been launched after two young women were dragged into a car and raped by the same male suspect in different parts of north London.

Officers are searching for a white man of muscular build following the “terrifying ordeal” suffered by two women in their 20s.

The first victim was abducted from a street in Chingford in the early hours of Thursday, 25 April, at around 12.30am.

The second victim was abducted from a street in Edgware at around 12.15pm later the same day.

Both women managed to escape together following a struggle with the suspect in Watford’s Osborne Road at 2.30pm on Thursday. They are now receiving support from specialist officers.

Metropolitan Police detectives are appealing for witnesses and information in an effort to track him down.

The investigation is led by officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command and supported by other specialist and local officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who leads the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for both women who were abducted by the suspect in separate areas. At this stage there is nothing to suggest either victims were specifically targeted for any reason, but both appear to have been selected at random.”

She added: “A number of active leads are being followed up urgently including reviewing CCTV footage and forensic analysis. We are also working closely with our colleagues in Hertfordshire to establish what links the suspect may have in that area.

“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 is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 3041/25Apr or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.