POLICE investigating the rape of two teenage girls on Canvey are appealing for a driver to come forward who spoke to the victims before their ordeal.

The two 16-year-old girls were approached by a man in a small dark coloured car on Furtherwick Road just after midnight on Tuesday, April 3.

An hour later, a gang of young men forced their way into a house on Furt herwick Road and attacked the two girls. Both were left traumatised and one received assault injuries.

The men, who were not known to the girls, then made off in a car parked nearby.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "We don't believe the man who stopped his car and spoke to the two girls around midnight was involved and he may hold vital witness information. We are urging him to contact us as soon as possible."

Since the incident, specially trained officers have been speaking with the girls, who have provided details of their attackers.

Two of the men were described as mixed race, 17-20 years old, 6ft and 6ft 4ins tall, of slim build and wearing casual clothing and close fitting hats. The third man was white, in late teens 5ft9-10ins tall, medium to chubby build with short hair and casual clothing.

The men are believed to have left the scene in a dark, small to medium sized car, described as not new and with a loud exhaust and driven by the white man.

Det Sgt Andy Willmott said: "This is a particularly nasty offence against two teenage girls who had been out enjoying their evening then returned to their house where the men have forced their way in.

"I would like anyone with any information to speak to us. If anyone recognises the descriptions and knows who these men are or knows who owns a car like the one described or indeed saw it around Canvey Island that night I urge them to get in touch."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Canvey CID on 01268 775533 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.