Three boys 'sexually assault 11-year-old girl' while attending funeral in Teddington Cemetery

Police have launched an investigation after an 11-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at a cemetery in south-west London. The girl was walking through Teddington Cemetery with a friend around 3.30pm on 20 October when the pair were approached by three boys.

The young victim's friend ran off, with the boys then kissing and sexually assaulting the 11-year-old. The incident was stopped by a man who was cycling through the cemetery and shouted at the boys to stop. They then walked away from the scene.

The man cycled off and the victim ran to join her friend who was hiding nearby. They both told their respective parents who informed police.

Officers believe the three boys may have been attending a funeral taking place at the time of the incident which was attended by members of the travelling community.

Police now want to trace the boys described as white, with short blond or brown hair, wearing blue suits made of shiny material and white shirts. They were all believed to be under the age of 10.

PC Jamie Oprey, of Richmond CID is leading the investigation. He 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 is asked to contact Richmond CID on 020 8721 5930 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.