The Met Police has confirmed wanted Joseph McCann, 34, has been arrested in Cheshire and they are linking him to further rapes and abductions, including the rape of an 11-year-old boy.

McCann was cornered by police in Congleton, Cheshire, last night, after he fled from a car which had two teenage girls, both aged 14, inside.

McCann was wanted by the Met and Hertfordshire Constabulary for questioning in connection with the abductions and rapes of women in Chingford and Edgware on April 25, and a 21-year-old woman in Watford at knifepoint on April 21.

The Met has now revealed a number of "grotesque" incidents took place in north west England yesterday (Sunday) which they are linking McCann to.

At 8am yesterday, a woman aged in her thirties was falsely imprisoned at a location in Haslingden, Lancashire. In the same incident a teenage girl and boy, aged 11, were raped.

At around 1.30pm, a woman aged 71 was abducted and raped in Bury, Manchester.

At 3.30pm in Heywood. Manchester, two 13-year-old boys and a 13-year-old girl were abducted. The 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted.

At around 6.30pm, two 14-year-old girls were forced into a car in Congleton, Cheshire. They were not sexually assaulted.

DCI Katherine Goodwin from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command said: “Between Sunday, 21 April and Saturday, 5 May McCann is suspected to have been involved in a number of attacks across different parts of the country.

“I can confirm he is now being investigated for offences committed in Cheshire, Manchester and Lancashire in addition to London and Hertfordshire.

“Detectives from the Met continue to lead on this investigation and are working very closely with policing counterparts where he is suspected to have carried out further offences. These offences will be jointly investigated.

“At this early stage, there are believed to be nine further victims following the attacks in Hertfordshire and London. These attacks were grotesque and horrifying. These victims are now being supported by specialist officers. Further details concerning specific offences will become clearer in due course.

“I would urge any other victims to come forward. We also need to hear from anyone who has been approached or been in contact with McCann between February and May.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.”