The rape of a 15 year old girl in The Grove and an assault on a schoolgirl after she got of a bus in Carshalton are not being linked at this stage, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The children, both the same age, were attacked within two days of each other, although a spokesman for the Met said the force was still keeping an open mind about the two incidents.

The rapist, who the girl did not know, is described as a black man in his late 20s or early 30s, of broad build and about 5ft 10inches.

He was said to be wearing a black hooded jacket and shorts when he raped the 15 year old in The Grove park Carshalton at around 8.30pm on Saturday, November 15.

Detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse command unit were called in and the rape scene cordoned off.

The Met police said the teenager was taken to a haven.

This comes just two days after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was assaulted after she got off a bus in High Street Carshalton.

The girl was still in her uniform at around 4pm on Thursday, November 13, when she was grabbed from behind as she was walking along Lavender Road.

Sutton police said she managed to break free but suffered scratches to her arm.

Her attacker is said to be a black man aged between 30 and 40 years old and of stocky build. His height was only given as “very tall”.

He was wearing a black beanie hat, black clothing and gloves while reports said he smelled of drink and cigarettes.

Anyone who can help with either investigation should call police on 101 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.