THREE teenage boys have been locked up for their involvement in the rape and false imprisonment of a 14-year-old girl.

The boys, two aged 17 and the other 16, approached the victim and took her to a flat in Bromley on October 24 last year.

While there the girl was raped and her hair was set on fire.

An investigation was launched by Lewisham police and officers obtained mobile telephone footage of the suspects tormenting the victim with a cigarette lighter.

The victim later pointed out the suspects in an identity parade.

Detective Constable Darren Sonnar said: “This was a particularly harrowing case, which the victim had to relive during the trial when she gave evidence through a live video link and I am glad that her ordeal is finally over.

"Our officers worked hard to ensure we found the boys who committed this awful crime, then gained the evidence to prove their involvement, and I am pleased that they have now been punished.”

The 16-year-old (boy C) pleaded guilty to attempted rape, aiding and abetting rape twice and false imprisonment.

One of the 17-year-olds (boy A) pleaded guilty to raping the victim twice and false imprisonment.

The other 17-year-old (boy B) pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting rape, and false imprisonment, but was convicted of the charges following a trial in August.

Today at Inner London Crown Court boy A was sentenced to 10 years and 9 months in custody.

Boy B received a six-year sentence while boy C was given five years and five months.

They will also have to attend sexual offenders’ treatment courses.