Detectives are appealing for information after two women, one of them Jewish, were raped after being abducted separately by a male in a car.

The first was abducted from a street in Chingford on Thursday at approximately 12:30am. The second was abducted from a street in Edgware at 12:15pm on the same day.

Both women, aged in their 20s, managed to escape following a struggle in Osborne Road, Watford, at around 2:30pm.

A police spokesman told the JC that the victims were receiving support from specialist officers.

The suspect is described as a white man of muscular build. In his late 20s or 30s, he has a short beard, tattoos and drove a silver or grey-coloured Ford S-Max people carrier.

Police later issued CCTV stills of the suspect, taken from a hotel in the Watford area at aroun d1pm on Thursday. Police said he had driven there and tried to book a room but left when none was available.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for both women. At this stage there is nothing to suggest either victim were specifically targeted.

“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."

She added: "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."

Mark Gardner of the Community Security Trust said: “CST has worked very closely with police on this case and continue to do so.

"At this stage, due to the seriousness of the incident and the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further, other than to repeat the police request for witnesses.”

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