Police today seized a suspected paedophile gang on suspicion of grooming and raping an under age teenage girl in east London.
Eight men in their 20s were held at addresses in east London and Hertfordshire in connection with a series of offences involving the girl who is under 16.
Detectives believe there may be more teenagers who were targeted by the gang who have not come forward and today appealed for victims to contact them.
In a pre-planned operation police raided eight addresses in Newham, Redbridge and Havering and one address in Hertfordshire.
The 5am raids followed an inquiry by officers from the Met’s specialist Sapphire unit which investigates sex crimes.
They are investigating claims that the girl fell prey to "exploitative" behaviour between May and November last year, when she was allegedly groomed and raped.
Police are investigating a number of alleged offences.
Detective Chief Inspector 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.
"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. Our enquiries continue.”
All the men, who are aged between 21 and 24, were being questioned at an east London police station.
None of the suspects are related but they are all said to be known to each other.
Police also seized cash and drugs from two addresses in Newham.
A man and two women were also arrested in Newham on suspicion of fraud.
Anyone with information should call on 020 8217 6531 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
