Arrests in east London over rape of teenager
- Published
Eight men have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of the rape of a teenage girl aged under 16.
The Met said the men, five aged 23, two aged 24 and a 21-year-old, were arrested during raids on Wednesday.
They were held at addresses in Newham, Redbridge and Havering in east London, as well as one in Hertfordshire.
The investigation was launched by the force's 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.
Det Ch Insp Adam Lowe 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 inquiries 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."