Two boys held over ‘rape’ of girl, eight, in playground

Police were today questioning two 10-year-old boys on suspicion of raping the child as she played with them in the park in Hayes. She ran home and told her mother who called the police.

The attack is believed to have taken place near a playground in College Park, close to Hayes Community College.

Police have confirmed that both boys had been arrested. The pair are alleged to have taken turns in raping the girl.

Today residents said they were shocked by the alleged rape and are now keeping their own children inside.

Carer Ian Coombs, 45, whose house overlooks the park, said: "It's shocking.

They're all local kids of different age groups, sometimes the older ones go off but usually they all play together."

Student Josh Sam, 21, who lives opposite the park, said: "You wouldn't think about it happening around here because it's a quiet area."

A resident of Damson Drive, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "We've known [the accused boys] for the last eight years so I'm totally shocked. I haven't seen any kids outside here since Tuesday."

Today a child called at the house of one of the accused boys and was told by a neighbour that he had gone on holiday. A 49-year-old woman who lives near one of the boys said he was "as polite as can be".

Neighbours say the alleged attack was witnessed by the girl's six-year-old sister.

All the children are said to be friends who live near each other. They were seen meeting at about 11am on Tuesday before going to the park.

Police have cordoned off a small area around some trees to prevent access to the playground. Forensic science officers have been examining a low brick building between two four-storey blocks of flats where the attack is thought to have taken place. One report said the boys had enticed the girl to a building where bins are kept.

Officers trained in dealing with child sex offences have interviewed the girl at her home.

The investigation is being led by the Met's Sapphire Unit. Police said they were taking the allegations very seriously but added that it was still early days in the inquiry. The victim sustained no physical injuries. The two boys are just over the age of criminal responsibility.