A teenager suffered serious stab wounds and two young girls were allegedly raped in incidents one week apart in a central Hammersmith neighbourhood.
People living on the Queen Caroline Estate fear youth gang violence is in danger of spiralling out of control after weeks of antisocial behaviour leading up to the two attacks.
The 17-year-old stab victim suffered several wounds to his torso which were at first thought to be life-threatening when he was assaulted outside Elizabeth House at around 7pm on Saturday. He was later released from hospital.
The two alleged rape victims, both under 18, are said to have been attacked in nearby Henrietta House in the early hours of last Saturday (11), before running out on to the street to raise the alarm.
People living on the estate say gangs of school-age children have been 'running riot' in the neighbourhood at evenings and weekends, with most residents too scared to confront them.
One mother of two, who asked not to be named, said: "There are always big groups of people hanging around, and it's intimidating because we know exactly what they're up to.
"The council are far too slow to act on antisocial behaviour, and all their wardens do is drive around in vans during the day with their windows up – they're a complete waste of money."
Residents of Henrietta House, where the alleged rapes are said to have taken place, say their entry system has been out of order for months, giving troublemakers 24 hour access to the building.
Another mother in a nearby block, who lives with her teenage daughter, said: "You hear so much screaming and shouting here at night that you switch off, because you're frightened to get involved. There could be all sorts going on. It's worrying when you've got stabbings going on outside your door, and we know it's gang-related."
Police foot patrols have been stepped up around the estate and meetings were being held this week to talk about improving security.
Shirley Cupit, chair of the Queen Caroline Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "We're obviously very concerned about anyone coming to harm in our neighbourhood."
Two 18-year-old men from Hammersmith and Fulham and another 18-year-old of no fixed abode have been charged with rape in connection with the incident on September 11. One was granted bail with conditions last week and the others were remanded in custody, to reappear at Isleworth Crown Court on September 30.
Detective Inspector James Harman said: "This was a very serious offence and police continue to appeal for any witnesses to come forward with information, in particular any members of the public who came to the aid of these young girls when they raised the alarm on the streets."
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the stabbing.
A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesman said neighbourhood wardens are now visiting the estate on a daily basis.
He said: "We are upgrading security across the estate but we need residents to stand up and be counted. With their help we can put these gangs behind bars. We would urge every resident who has any information to come forward and talk to the police."
Anyone with any information about the alleged rape is asked to contact the Sapphire Unit at Fulham police station 020 8246 2306 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
