THREE men have been charged after a teenage girl was allegedly drugged and raped in a popular London park.
Police rushed to Fishponds Park in Surbiton, south-west London, shortly before 7.15am on Thursday, following reports a 17-year-old girl had been raped.
Three men have since been charged with rape and appearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court this morning, the Metropolitan Police said.
Vladas Rupeika, 35, Nerijus Venckus, 36, and Peter Hoppe, 41, appeared in court today.
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 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.
A Met Police spokesperson said today: “Three men have been charged following allegations of rape and sexual assault in Fishponds Park, Surbiton.
“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.”
Police said the victim and her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
They added: “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.”
The teenager was allegedly drugged and raped in Fishponds Park on Thursday morningGoogle Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
