Police have launched an urgent investigation after a 16-year-old girl was raped in Primrose Hill park in London.
The teenager flagged down officers who were patrolling in Regents Park Road shortly before 11pm on Friday, 11 April.
She reported that she had been sexually assaulted in the park, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The incident occurred on the first day the park was due to close under its summer schedule
Police investigate the scene in Primrose Hill (file pic)
PA
The girl was taken to hospital by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and is being supported by specialist police officers.
At least 12 police officers were seen searching the grass at the popular viewing spot on Saturday.
A crime scene remained in place two days after the incident on Sunday.
The park is shut at weekends in the warmer months between 10pm and 6am until the clocks go back in October.
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Primrose Hill in central London (file pic)
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A Royal Parks’ spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of an incident involving a 16-year-old girl on Primrose Hill on Friday 11 April. Our thoughts are with her and her family. The incident is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.”
No arrests have been made and police enquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting CAD 8380/11APR.
Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The incident comes after it was announced the Royal Parks police team will be disbanded as Scotland Yard faces a £260 million budget shortfall.
The Met Police is axing 1,700 police, staff and community support officers due to the cutbacks.
Eighty officers in units protecting eight Royal Parks will be merged into local ward policing, despite fierce opposition from councils and victims.
Meanwhile, cyclists in Regent’s Park have complained they have been left feeling like “sitting ducks” following a spate of violent robberies.