A man from Walthamstow has been found guilty of taking part in a gang rape of a girl with learning difficulties who was doused with a corrosive substance.

The 16-year-old victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered “life-changing burns” from caustic soda during the attack in January 9 last year.

Hector Muaimba, 20, of Guildford Road, Walthamstow, was found guilty of rape, along with Jason Brew, 19, of High Cross Road, Tottenham, and Rogel McMorris, 19, of Antill Road, Tottenham.

McMorris who was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.

Investigating Officer Det Con Alex Newton said: "This has been a shocking and traumatic case. These men preyed on a vulnerable girl and plotted to take advantage of her.

"Raping her repeatedly was not enough, they then scarred her for life by throwing a corrosive substance over her."

Wood Green Crown Court heard how the teenage girl had agreed to have a sex with a man she knew and had arranged to meet him near his home in Antill Road, Tottenham.

But she was met by McMorris, who she did not know. After making a phone call, McMorris and his fellow defendants took the girl to an unoccupied house which was being renovated.

The terrified teenager was led upstairs and repeatedly raped by the men over a couple of hours. The men, who had been messing throwing water and washing powder about, then threw caustic soda over the girl.

A neighbour found the girl naked with her skin starting to fall off.

The teenager has been left permanently disfigured, and needs further medical treatment including skin grafts and plastic surgery.

She is also undergoing counselling. A statement from her family read: "On the January 9th our lives changed forever and this was the worst day of our family's life.

"No conviction can compensate for what our daughter went through, but we truly appreciate the conviction of three of these men.

Our sincere gratitude goes to all the police officers and organisations involved although no amount of words can express our gratitude."

Referring to the defendants, Det Con Newton said: "Their attitude in court has been disgusting. "Some of them have been laughing and sniggering, they have no respect for anyone and I am delighted at the convictions today."

Muaimba, Brew and McMorris will be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court at a date to be set.

Three other men, Bradley Daley-Smith, of Sheldon Road, Edmonton, Bruno Abrantes, of Stoneleigh Road,Tottenham, and Miguel Almeida, of Moree Way, Edmonton, have been acquitted of all charges.