Policehave moved to reassure a nervous community after a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on Hounslow Heath.
Anxious residents have complained that they were 'left in the dark' following the incident, which took place just north of Simpson Road, on Monday afternoon last week.
But Det Insp Jeff Minns, of Hounslow CID, insisted cops from Hounslow and nearby Twickenham station had the matter 'in hand'.
He said: "Our officers responded to the initial complaint on October 20 and the matter was later handed over to Twickenham Sapphire Unit.
"There is no need for residents to be alarmed. We are investigating and have spoken to all the parties involved."
Officers from the Twickenham Sapphire Unit, who investigate sexual crimes, cordoned off a wooded area of the heath after the girl was assaulted between 3.30pm and 4pm, on her way home from school.
But worried families have expressed their concern that no information was shared with the public, leaving them to rely on rumours.
Trainee teacher Claire Evans, 23, of Simpson Road, said: "There should be more contact between police and residents. We only get hearsay and never hear what actually happened."
Mum-of three Laura Manning, 28, said she had been keeping her young sons in since the attack and was annoyed the police had not put up information signs around the area.
She added: "It's scary. The police could have let us know and told us if they think it's safe to go out."
Linda Bennett, also of Hounslow Heath Estate, said she wanted to see improved lighting around the recreation area.
"I was worried sick after hearing the news," she added. "There's always trouble with gangs of kids in the park, always fighting and drinking. There should be some floodlights installed there."
A Twickenham police spokesman said: "We're still investigating but I'd like to reassure people that they should not be afraid to use the heath. This was not a stranger attack and we are talking to all the parties involved."
Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact Twickenham Sapphire Unit on 020 8247 5806 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
