Eight men arrested over alleged rape and grooming of under-age girl in London

Eight men have been arrested on suspicion of raping a girl under the age of 16 after a series of raids in east London and Hertfordshire.

The group, including five men aged between 21 and 24, were held after officers hit properties at around 5am today.

In total, nine addresses in Newham, Redbridge and Havering in east London, and one in Hertfordshire were raided.

Detectives are investigating claims that the girl was groomed and raped between May and November last year, when she fell prey to "exploitative behaviour" by a group of men.

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. Our inquiries continue.

"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 on 020 8217 6531, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."