Brave Taxi driver helped police close in on multiple rape suspect after nationwide manhunt

A brave taxi driver helped police catch a rape suspect who is linked to a number of assaults including attacks against a boy, 11, and a woman, 71.

The quick thinking taxi driver picked up fugitive Joseph McCann, 34, at around 8:30pm after a six-hour manhunt by the police which began when he allegedly forced two teenagers into a car in Congleton, Cheshire.

The taxi driver said he recognised the fugitive who was 'acting shifty' and instead of listening to the man's instructions, he drove him towards police. As reported by the Daily Mail, the taxi driver, who has decided to remain anonymous, said he realised who McCann was when he started acting strange and saying certain things like not to go down particular routes.

He said McCann was ducking down trying to hide his face and then made it clear to not use the A34 road.

The brave driver decided to take the road in the hope of finding police officers and left his hazard lights on. At this point he saw a police officer talking to a member of the public so he flashed his lights to grab their attention.

As he pulled the vehicle over, McCann began to punch him in the face. The officers was able to jump into the taxi in an attempt to contain McCann. The driver put on the child locks but McCann kept pulling at the door until it opened. The officer tried his best to contain McCann but after a short fight the fugitive broke free, picked up a piece of glass from the floor and ran off into the fields.

Police detained him following a standoff with officers overnight after he reportedly climbed a tree and refused to come down when cornered by police. Negotiators along with paramedics arrived at the scene and McCann was eventually taken into custody in the early hours of Monday morning. McCann was tracked down and arrested in the early hours and the Metropolitan Police have started questioning him in relation to other offences around England, including the rape of a 71-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy. 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.'

Images: Source; Police Appeals