11-year-old girl 'sexually assaulted by three boys younger than 10'

Boys allegedly attacked the girl during a funeral in west London

Victim reported attack to her parents (Google Maps)

Three boys younger than 10 have assaulted an 11-year-old girl as mourners gathered for a service in west London, police have said.

The girl was walking with a friend through Teddington Cemetery at around 3.30pm on Thursday. The three boys approched the pair - but the friend ran away and hid.

The young boys are believed to have kissed the remaining girl before sexually assaulting her.

A man cycling through the cemetery shouted at the boy, they then walked away.

The girl then found her friend and both girls reported the attack to their parents. The police were then called.

Officers have said they want to find three boys, who are white, have short blond or brown hair, are thought to be under the age of ten and were wearing "blue shiny suits" at the time. They also want to speak to the man who intervened.

The boys are believed to have been attending a funeral attended by "members of the travelling community" at the time of the attack.

PC Jamie Oprey, of Richmond CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "The victim has been left extremely distressed by this attack which took place in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the cemetery at the time of the incident and could help us identify the boys responsible.

"I am also keen to speak to the man on the bicycle who intervened and stopped the attack - his information could prove invaluable in helping to find these boys."

Anyone with information can call police on 020 8721 5930 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.