Girl, 15, raped after being snatched near McDonald’s in Peckham

A 15-year-old girl has said she was raped after being snatched near McDonalds in Peckham.

Police have made one arrest, and are appealing for further witnesses who may have seen the attack.

The teenager was walking past McDonalds in Rye Lane, Peckham, Southwark, at 6.28pm on Sunday.

She says her attacker approached her and took her to a small park on a nearby residential street, where he raped her.

A crime scene has been put in place in William Griggs Garden, between Elm Grove and Bellenden Road, in the upmarket neighbourhood of Bellenden, where the attack took place.

This is just metres from where a woman reported a stranger rape on January 14, however police said there was “no evidence to suggest that these incidents are linked”.

A senior officer added that detectives had “conclusively confirmed” that the first reported attack did not occur in Peckham.

The Met said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of rape yesterday, over the attack on Sunday, and remains in custody.

Det Supt Clair Kelland, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have launched an extensive and fast moving investigation into this horrendous incident and we are doing everything we can to support the young victim.

“I am mindful that this will have a considerable impact on the local community, in particular women and young girls.

“With this in mind, there will be additional reassurance patrols within this area in the coming days.

“I would also like to reiterate that we can conclusively confirm that the stranger rape reported on Friday, January 14, did not occur within the vicinity of Peckham and there is currently no evidence to suggest that these incidents are linked.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in this area between 5pm and 7pm on January 30 who saw anything that might assist our investigation."

Police are still appealing for witnesses, and said the victim described her attacker as “in his 20s or 30s, 5ft 6in tall, of medium build with cropped hair”.

They added that he was reportedly wearing a hooded puffa jacket and black jogging bottoms.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101, or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5943/30JAN22.

To remain 100% anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.