Walthamstow: Teen Held Over Rape of 12-Year-Old

Police investigating the rape of a 12-year-old girl in east London have arrested a 17-year-old male.

The girl was pinned down and raped after being taken to an area of Walthamstow by three males aged between 17 and 19.

Metropolitan Police have said they have now arrested a 17-year-old teenager. He remains in police custody.

Police are still appealing for information about the attack, which took place on 27 July between 12.15 and 12.30am on Hibbert Road near Theydon Street.

Det Insp Simon Ellershaw, who is leading the investigation, 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."

Officers described the first suspect as skinny, mixed-race and wearing a Diamond stud in his left ear with a London accent. He was also described as wearing a black Puffa-style jacket with a hood, black chinos and black trainers, and apparently called himself Mo.

The second suspect was a tall black male, with partly-shaven hair. He was wearing black trousers tigether with a red and blue shirt.

The third male, who did not take part in the rape, was black and had a moustache. He wore a blueish coloured hoodie and a red and blue cap, and referred to himself as Miles.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 0208 217 7408 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.