8 Arrested On Suspicion Of Rape

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of rape of a teenage girl under the age of 16.

In a pre-planned operation on Wednesday 6th March, at approx 05.00hrs officers attended nine addresses in the east London boroughs of Newham, Redbridge and Havering, as well as an address in Hertfordshire.

Those arrested are five 23-year-old men [A,B,C,D,E], a 24-year-old man [F], a 21-year-old man [G] and a 24-year-old man [H].

The investigation was launched by detectives from the MPS Sapphire Command following an allegation relating to alleged offences between May and November 2012.

The men are currently in custody at an east London police station.

DCI Adam Lowe from the Sapphire Command said:

"These arrests are part of an investigation into rape and serious sexual assault carried out by a group of men in Newham and the wider east London area. Our enquiries continue.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offence or who believes they have any information to please contact police on 020 8217 6531, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."