Three men have been charged with rape after a teenage girl was allegedly drugged and attacked in a park.
A fourth man, who was arrested on suspicion of administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence, has been released on bail pending further investigations.
Police were called to Fishponds Park in Surbiton, south-west London, just before 7.15am on Thursday morning to reports a 17-year-girl had been raped.
Forensic teams were seen combing the area throughout the day – with officers establishing a crime scene in the park.
The Met Police said three men have since been charged with rape and they appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning.
They are Vladas Rupeika, 35, from Epsom, Nerijus Venckus, 36, from Surbiton and Peter Hoppe, 41, from Tolworth.
Rupeika has been charged with rape, Venckus has been charged with rape and assault by penetration, and Hoppe has been charged with oral rape.
A spokesperson for the Met police said today: ‘Three men have been charged following allegations of rape and sexual assault in Fishponds Park, Surbiton.
Police were called just before 7.15am on Thursday morning to Fishponds Park (pictured) in Surbiton, south-west London
‘Police were called at 7.13am on Thursday, August 21 after reports a 17-year-old girl had been raped and sexually assaulted at Fishponds Park, Surbiton.
‘Vladas Rupeika, 35, of Epsom was charged with rape on Friday, August 22. He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 23 and has been remanded into custody.
‘Nerijus Venckus, 36, of Surbiton was charged with rape and assault by penetration on Friday, August 22. He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 23 and has been remanded into custody.
‘Peter Hoppe, 41, of Tolworth was charged with oral rape on Friday, August 22.
‘He appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 23 and has been remanded into custody.
‘A 24-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of sexual assault and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence on Thursday, August 21.
‘At this time he has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
‘The victim and her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
‘Local residents can expect to see an increase of patrols in the area. Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting CAD1207/21AUG.’
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
