Three men who gang-raped and robbed women at brothels in Waltham Forest have been jailed for a total of 53 years.

Ibrahim Gunduz, 18, Imani Williams and Andre Victor, all of Hackney, were today sentenced at the Old Bailey for a series of robberies, assaults and rapes between January 11 and February 16 this year.

The gang targeted brothels in Newham, Hackney and Waltham Forest, robbing 13 women and raping or sexually assaulting seven.

On two occasions women were threatened with a small handgun.

Investigating officer Det Insp Larry Smith said: "They targeted women who by the nature of their work may have been reluctant to report the matter to police so I am grateful for their bravery in standing up in court and ensuring these three men did not get away with such despicable crimes.

"I hope it also sends the message that the Met will treat all victims equally regardless of their background and investigate every case thoroughly."

Two women were robbed at a premises in Hoe Street on January 11. Three women were robbed and one orally raped in Leytonstone High Road, on January 21, and three women were robbed and two raped at Leyton High Road on February 13.

On February 14 another address was targeted in Leytonstone High Road, with two women robbed and gang raped.

The defendants also targeted premises in Forest Gate and Hackney.

Williams and Victor initially worked alone but on finding the women were wary of two black men, enlisted the help of Gunduz, who is Turkish, for the final three crimes.

The attacks became progressively more violent, with women being gang-raped.

Cash, mobile phones, keys and Oyster cards were also stolen from the brothels.

The group were caught through DNA evidence found on a cigarette butt left by Gunduz, semen left by Victor and Williams and fingerprints from Gunduz and Williams.

Gunduz was handed a 14 year-sentence,Williams was jailed for 19 years and Victor 20 years.