Teenage gang rape in playground

A 14-year-old girl was gang-raped at knifepoint by four teenagers in a school playground, Scotland Yard said today.

The victim was seriously assaulted after she was threatened with a knife outside a fast-food restaurant in Willesden.

The black girl told police she was separated from her friend and grabbed by members of the gang and forced into the playground at the junction of Dudden Hill Lane and Willesden High Road at 8.15pm last Friday.

Detectives say she was raped in turn by four of them at knifepoint.

Scotland Yard have launched an appeal for witnesses and said they are keen to trace two white men who were seen standing outside a house in nearby Meyrick Drive.

Detective Constable-Julian Worrall said: "This is a horrific attack on a defenceless young girl. I find it shocking that these youths could so callously attack this teenager and we will do our utmost to bring these men to justice." All four youths are black and aged between 16 and 18.

Police have recently warned of teenage gangs carrying out an increasing number of sex attacks. Officers say they often know their victim and demand money. If the girl has none they will demand sex instead.

Anyone with information about Friday's rape is urged to contact police on 020 8733 3947 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.