The joys of diversity....

Police facing a 'wall of silence'

Police hunting the youths who raped two 15-year-old girls on Roehampton's Alton Estate earlier this month say they are facing a "wall of silence" from those who witnessed the incident.

While detectives say the local community has been helpful in giving information, they are still appealing to any boys who may have tried to stop the attacks to come forward.

The girls were raped by a gang of mainly black youths - one in Highcross Way and one in Holybourne Avenue - at just before 11pm on Monday, August 5, with another girl of the same age molested in Alton Road.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Spink, who is leading the investigation, said: "The people in the groups know who they [the attackers] are. Whether they think it's not serious or whether they are frightened I really don't know."

Appealing directly to the boys, DI Spink added: "All I can say is that anything will be dealt with in total confidence.

"It can be done over the phone or you can write me a letter. If you feel frightened by these people, as I've said before, how brave do you have to be to attack a 15-year-old girl?"

House to house inquiries were due to finish this week but police said they were not confident of any arrests until more people came forward with information.

Resident Elaine Radford said: "It's really scary. I have daughters and I'm constantly worrying about them."

Police say one suspect was wearing a white puffa-type coat with adidas written on the back in light-blue lettering. Another wore a black Avirex jacket with a picture of a native American Indian on the back.

Phone Wandsworth CID on 020 8247 8711 or write to DI Spink at Wandsworth police station, 146 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 4JJ with any information. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.