An “extremely dangerous” fugitive wanted for the rape and abduction of two women is suspected of attacking another woman just days earlier but detectives failed to inform the public, it has emerged.

Joseph McCann, 34, who was on licence having spent most of the last decade in prison for aggravated burglary, remains at large and poses a significant risk to the public.

Police have put up a £20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and prosecution.

McCann is alleged to have abducted a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint in Watford on Easter Sunday, forcing her into his blue Ford Mondeo and driving her around various locations for several hours, raping her at an address in the town.

His victim reported the incident to Hertfordshire Police the following day and McCann was quickly identified.

A police spokesman said: “A significant amount of work was done to try and locate and arrest him, which proved unsuccessful.”

CCTV image of the suspect credit: Metropolitan Police/PA

Last Thursday, the force circulated McCann’s photograph and said he was wanted on recall to prison but failed to mention the alleged rape.

That same day, McCann is believed to have dragged two women in their 20s, one of whom is thought to have been pregnant, into a silver people carrier, 12 hours apart, raping them both.

The first woman was abducted at about 12.30am on Thursday from a street in Chingford.

The second was seized at 12.15pm from a street in Edgware, northwest London.

They were driven to a budget hotel in Watford where the suspect tried to book a room at around 1pm but he left as none were available.

The women managed to escape 90 minutes later when one of them smashed a vodka bottle over his head and alerted nearby builders in Osborne Road.

McCann was identified by the Metropolitan Police on Tuesday. He is known to use false names and may be using a disguise.

Police and the parole board are facing questions about why the public was not warned McCann was wanted on suspicion of the first rape.

He was given an indeterminate sentence in September 2008 after breaking into the Bedford home of a frail 85-year--old man and threatening to stab him.

Luton Crown Court heard that the victim was watching television when he heard a noise and saw McCann enter his home after breaking through a side door before demanding money.

McCann was shown a purse containing a small amount of cash. He was arrested because CCTV had been installed in the house following other burglaries and McCann was recognised by police and prison staff, according to a local report.

Joseph McCann

Judge Frederick Marr-Johnson told him: “This was one of the very nastiest kinds of burglary. He was an elderly gentleman in poor health and I think there is a risk of you causing long-term psychological harm in the future.

“I would be failing in my duty if I did not pass an indeterminate sentence.”

McCann is understood to have been released on licence in February 2017.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin from Scotland Yard said the victims were being supported by 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,” she said.

“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 has a tattoo of the name “Bobbie” on his stomach. He is said to have blue eyes, a bald head or shaved blond hair with a light-coloured beard and a “slight” Irish accent.

He has links to Watford, Aylesbury and Ipswich and is known to use false names, most recently Joel.