Police are appealing for witnesses after as many as ten youths gang raped two 15-year-old girls on Roehampton's Alton Estate on Monday night.

The attacks happened between 10.45pm and 11pm after a large group of mainly black youths, aged between 12 and 18 years old and believed to be from the estate, had approached and started chatting to a number of girls before offering them alcohol.

The gang then split into three smaller groups leaving about 15 black youths still with the girls.

As many as ten of these youths then raped two 15-year-old girls, despite other members of the group trying to stop the attacks.

One of the 15-year-old girls, who was of mixed race, was raped in a children's play area in Holybourne Avenue while the other, a black girl, was raped in High Cross Way.

A third girl, who was white, was indecently assaulted.

Police were called to the estate by residents and officers found the black girl in a stairwell in Hersham Close being looked after by a resident.

The black girl was found near some garages.

Both girls were treated in hospital after the attacks but have now been released.

No weapons were used by the attackers.

Dtectives are anxious to speak to anyone who knows anything about these attacks, particularly the boys who tried to stop them taking place.

Anyone with any information should call the appeal line on 020 8247 8711 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.