An elderly couple gave a lift home to two young girls lost in a Stevenage industrial estate, unaware the pair had both been sexually assaulted that morning.

The girls, who a police spokeswoman described as “over 11 but under 16”, flagged down the couple while they were driving through an industrial area of Stevenage between 9am and 10am on Sunday, July 8.

Police have today appealed for the elderly couple to get in touch with police.

Det Sgt Ben Smith said: “The girls had both been victims of a sexual assault earlier that morning, but did not disclose that to the couple who kindly gave them a lift after they explained they were lost.

“I’d like to speak to this couple as they may have information that can help the on-going police investigation.

“Officers are currently supporting the two girls who recently came forward to report the offences, and we are working hard to identify the offenders.”

Anyone with information should contact DS Smith by calling 101 or emailing ben.smith@herts.pnn.police.uk, quoting crime reference 41/19063/18, or report at herts.police.uk/report.

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