Police have launched an investigation after an 11-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Teddington.

At approximately 15:30hrs on Thursday, 20 October, the girl was walking with a friend through Teddington Cemetery. The pair were approached by three boys but the victim’s friend managed to run off.

The boys then kissed the victim and sexually assaulted her.

As the incident took place, a man cycled through the cemetery and shouted at the boys to stop. They then walked off from the scene.

The man cycled off and the victim ran to join her friend who was hiding nearby. They then both made their way home and told their respective parents what had happened.

Police were called and established there was a funeral taking place at the cemetery at that time being attended by members of the travelling community.

The three boys were described as white, with short blond or brown hair, wearing blue suits made of shiny material and white shirts. They were all believed to be under the age of ten. It is thought they were in the cemetery to attend the funeral.

Enquiries continue to trace these boys.

PC Jamie Oprey, of Richmond CID leads the investigation. He said: “The victim has been left extremely distressed by this attack which took place in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the cemetery at the time of the incident and could help us identify the boys responsible.

“I am also keen to speak to the man on the bicycle who intervened and stopped the attack – his information could prove invaluable in helping to find these boys.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Richmond CID on 020 8721 5930 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.