A MASKED gang armed with a gun and knives threatened to sexually assault a girl and robbed her friends in Highams Park.

The group say their pain was heightened when police failed to take statements or offer them counselling.

Bravely speaking out this week, the girl said a gun was pressed into her mouth by the gang who told her to perform sexual acts.

When she refused, one of the thugs beat her around the head with the gun handle.

Her friends were threatened at gunpoint and robbed of their phones and wallets.

They are warning other young people to be on their guard.

The 18-year-olds' ordeal began on Saturday evening in the children's play area in Highams Park, off Tamworth Avenue.

The girl agreed to be described as Jackie. Her friend is using the name Dan.

The gang demanded that one of the boys hand over his valuables. In the struggle they beat him over the head with the gun and rained down kicks and punches.

Dan was their next victim.

He said: "One of them held the gun to my chest. One of the others shouted don't shoot him', but I think they were just saying it to let me know that the gun was real."

Jackie returned to help her friends and was approached by the thugs.

She said: "One of them held the gun at my mouth and told me to do a sexual act. I thought he was going to make me do it. I was terrified."

"At least one of the others was holding a knife and they were jeering. I was knocked to the ground when he hit me over the head with the gun. They kicked me when I was on the ground."

Jackie added: "I was disappointed that the police didn't take statements, they didn't offer us counselling or Victim Support details. We couldn't identify the youths because they wore scarves around their faces but it would have helped us to go over the incident again."

Jackie, Dan and the boy who was beaten with the gun were treated for minor injuries at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

Supt Chris Lemon of Waltham Forest police apologised for the police not giving information about counselling. He said the investigation was continuing and detectives were keen to hear from witnesses.

Anyone with more information should contact the crime management desk on 8345 2343 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.