Four men have been charged with a string of sexual offences against three teenage girls, police have said.
Detectives launched an investigation following reports of rapes involving the girls who are under the age of 16 in Swindon, Wiltshire, last May.
The inquiry was then widened to include further alleged incidents in the previous two months.
Wiltshire Police said the four men, who are all in their 20s are due to appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on December 8 and 9.
They are: Zak Hanman, William Smith, 22, Lewis Wheeler, 26, and Mason Tomkins, 20, all of whom are from Swindon.
Mr Hanman has been charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault, arranging a child sex offence, false imprisonment, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the supply of class B drugs to the victim), and sending photograph or film of genitals.
Mr Smith has been charged with three counts of rape, administering a substance with intent to overpower to allow sexual activity, arranging a child sex offence, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the supply of class B drugs to the victim, and two counts of possessing a class B drug, namely ketamine and cannabis.
Mr Wheeler who has been charged with two counts of rape and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the supply of class B drugs to the victim).
Police said the incident occurred on Ratcoombe Road in Swindon (above) in May last year
A view of Swindon Magistrates’ Court in Wiltshire, where the four men in their 20s will appear on December 8 and 9
Mr Tomkins has been charged with sexual assault and sexual activity with a child.
Detective Constable James Pugh, from Swindon CID said: ‘This is a significant development in our investigation into the incident which occurred in Ratcoombe Road in May last year.
‘I appreciate the community concern it caused at the time and please be assured that we take incidents like this incredibly seriously.
‘The (alleged) victims involved continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
‘I would encourage people not to speculate to allow the criminal justice process to take its course.’
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