Teenager held over rape of girl, 12, in Walthamstow

A teenager has been arrested over the rape of a 12-year-old girl who was attacked by two strangers at the weekend.

The 17-year-old boy was arrested today and is being questioned at a police station in east London, Scotland Yard said.

The girl was targeted by three males who began talking to her before taking her to a garage area in Hibbert Road, Walthamstow, east London at around 12.15am on Saturday.

She was pinned down and raped by two of them, before calling a friend who came to help.

Detective Inspector Simon Ellershaw said: "This was a very nasty attack on a vulnerable girl just 12 years old by a group of older males who engaged her in conversation before leading her to a secluded area. She was pinned down and two of the males then brutally raped her.

"Despite this arrest we are still appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to please contact police as soon as possible."

The attackers were said to be aged between 17 and 19.

The first was dark-skinned and of mixed race, with a diamond stud in his left ear and a London accent. He told the girl his name was Mo and that he was 17.

He had big brown eyes, short hair, was very skinny and wore a black puffa-style jacket with a hood, black chinos, black trainers and a grey/black T-shirt.

The second was black and very tall with big lips. His hair was partly shaven and he wore black trousers and a red and blue shirt.

The third, who did not rape the girl, was black and had a moustache. He wore a blue-coloured hooded top and a red and blue cap, and told her his name was Miles.

Anyone with information can call police on 020 8217 7408 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

PA