Police have arrested two people after a 15-year-old girl was raped in a Bromley park earlier this month.

Following the incident, on July 3, officers arrested two men, aged 21 and 22, near Church House Gardens on suspicion of rape.

They have both been bailed to return to police stations on dates in September.

However, the investigation is ongoing and police are continuing to ask the public to come forward with any information about two suspects.

The suspects are described as black men - one with gold teeth and the other with a tattoo on his hand.

On the day of the attack, a third party reported that a teenage girl had been raped by a group of men near a gazebo in Church House Gardens.

It is now thought the victim was raped by two men after up to four men had left the park.

Police do not know whether all the men in the park were known to each other.

Detectives have already spoken to a number of witnesses and continue to carry out an extensive CCTV trawl of the area.

Detective Constable Andy Walker, investigating officer from the sexual offences command, said: “The investigation is moving at a fast pace and I would like to thank everyone who has come forward and spoken to the police so far, we continue to urge anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to come forward.

“This offence took place in a public place whilst there was still daylight, and I am confident that someone may have seen or heard something which could assist the investigation.

“Understandably, the victim has been left highly distressed by this incident and specially trained officers are still in the process of fully gleaning all of the information and detail from her."

Chief Superintendent Christopher Hafford, Bromley borough commander said: “Thankfully incidents like this are very rare, and in Bromley in particular, which continues to be one of the safest boroughs in London and we continue to work with our partners to ensure it remains that way.”

Residents in shock

Residents are feeling shocked, sickened and unnerved by the news of the sexual assault.

Petts Wood local Josh Wingrove, 22, who visited the park for the first time in years this week, said it was shocking to find out that a woman had been assaulted there.

He told News Shopper: "It's disgusting - and it isn't something you would expect to happen here in Bromley borough.

"This is a horrific crime in such a nice area.

"It makes me feel sick."

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Daisy Kenny, 20, from Shortlands, often visits her sister Amy, 24, who lives minutes away from Church House Gardens.

She frequently walks home at night through Church House Gardens or Bromley Park.

She told News Shopper: “I have never heard of a rape in Bromley. I walk home through the park all the time.

“If I go home I have to walk past Church House Gardens – there’s no other way.

“Whichever way I go, I go through that park or Bromley Park.”

She added that whatever precautions women take at night, you can never guarantee that you’re safe.

She said: “It’s scary to hear that this has happened.

“If I walk around late at night I feel unsafe but you do anywhere.

“You know to look around constantly and I always think I need to ring someone while I’m walking.

“There are usually people around but it just takes that one chance time.

“I have never walked past a group of people here and thought they looked dodgy.

“I think it’s just one of those unlucky things.

“This will make me very cautious. It can happen anywhere, but to know it’s so close is scary.

“I’m always looking over my shoulder – it’s what you have to do.”

‘Bromley is not exempt from rape’

Marta Righetti, from Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid, told News Shopper: “We are appalled at the news of a young woman being gang-raped in central Bromley in broad daylight.

“No person should endure such pain and it is sad that the victim is a young woman whose wellbeing will be long affected by totally unjustifiable violence.

“Unfortunately, rape and sexual violence are forms of a culture of abuse against women and girls perpetuated over the years, and Bromley is not exempt from it.

“We want victims - or as we prefer to call them, survivors – to know that you can get the support you need and that you always need to report abuse.”

The victim was taken to a Haven and continues to be supported by specialist officers.

For support from Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid, call 0208 313 9303.

If you are a victim of rape, you can call Rape Crisis South London helpline on 0208 683 3311.

Any witnesses or anyone with information can contact the investigation team via 101. To give information anonymously Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.