Two woman abducted and raped
Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after two women were abducted separately by a male suspect in a car and raped. The first woman was abducted from a street in Chingford on Thursday, 25 April at approximately 12.30am. The second woman was abducted from a street in Edgware at 12.15pm on Thursday, 25 April. Both women, who are aged in their 20s, managed to escape from the suspect following a struggle in Osborn Road, Watford at approximately 2.30pm on Thursday, 25 April. They are now receiving support from specialist officers. The suspect is described as a white man of muscular build. An investigation is underway 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. "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 concerning this incident is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 3041/25Apr or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.
