Police and councillors have urged the public to remain calm after two teenage boys were charged with rape and carrying a knife in South Park Gardens, Wimbledon.
A 16-year-old boy from Merton has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against two victims.
He was also charged with possession of a knife and causing actual bodily harm.
Another 16-year-old boy from Merton has been charged with two counts of rape against the same two victims.
December 23: Two teenage boys charged with rape and carrying a knife after incident in South Park Gardens, Wimbledon
Councillor James Holmes, who represents Trinity ward, where the park is located, reassured residents that this sort of crime remains very rare in the area.
He said: “What happened is obviously a very upsetting incident and it’s bound to be a worry for local residents.
“Luckily it remains on the whole a very safe ward and a very safe park.”
He added: “It appears to be an isolated incident. It’s important not to treat it as anything other than that unless there’s evidence otherwise.
“These things will trigger a review over anything that could be changed in the park, but it shouldn’t be with an expectation that anything has gone wrong.”
South Park Gardens, which is fenced by iron railings and lockable gates, was closed while forensic teams investigated the alleged sexual assault, which took place on Sunday, December 20.
The park re-opened on Wednesday, December 23.
Chief Inspector at Merton Police, Mark Lawrence, said: “The South Park Gardens incident is an isolated incident between parties that knew each other.
“We continue to be one of the lowest crime boroughs in London. Crime in Merton is actually down on last year.
“Incidents like this continue to cause us concern, but Merton continues to be one of the safest boroughs in London and people shouldn’t be alarmed.”
The two teenage boys were arrested on Monday, December 21 and charged on Tuesday, December 22. They were remanded in custody and appeared at Wimbledon Youth Court on December 23.
Both boys are due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, January 6.
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