Two 32-year-old men from Stevenage have been arrested on suspicion of raping a pair of girls under the age of 16 in the town.

The men have been released on police bail until August 17 while the investigation continues.

A third man, a 30-year-old from Essex, has been interviewed under caution in relation to the incident – which is alleged to have happened in Stevenage on the morning of Sunday, July 8.

Stevenage chief inspector Alicia Shaw said: “I understand that news of this incident will have caused concern among the communities in Stevenage.

“Detectives are working hard on this investigation and the girls and their families are being supported by specialist officers from the constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team.”

Anyone with information that could help the police investigation should contact Det Sgt Ben Smith on ben.smith@herts.pnn.police.uk or 101, quoting crime reference 41/19063/18, or herts.police.uk/report.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.