ANGER and shock have been the dominant reactions to the revelation last week that a gang of sex attackers has carried out a reign of terror in South Oxhey.

It now appears the rapes and sexual assaults have been going on longer than the nine months the police had stated, with mothers of those attacked reporting incidents as long as six years ago.

Police have received 19 calls from the public, after a leaflet was circulated on the estate informing residents of the assaults on at least 20 girls.

The victims, aged between 12 and 16, had been befriended by small groups of white men - from teenagers to their mid-50's - who then seriously indecently assaulted or raped the girls.

The revelation caused widespread anger among community leaders, who felt police should have warned residents the men were operating in the area.

Yesterday (Thursday), a Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesman said: 'Not all the calls have involved information directly linked to what is taking place but some have, which will be a great help in this very difficult investigation.'

She confirmed that they believed the gang were travellers.

Since last week's report, The Watford Observer has received two calls from mothers of victims, who say the gang have been targeting and assaulting girls for at least six years. Both of them said they told the police a long time ago but nothing was done.

In the last few days, the police and Hertfordshire County Council's social services department have held a series of meetings with local politicians to brief them on the incidents and how they have been dealt with.

From information supplied at these meetings, some councillors have been satisfied with how the investigation has been handled.

However, others, including Hertfordshire South West MP Richard Page, are still unhappy with what they are being told and feel there are many questions which remain unanswered.

He said: 'If it comes to light other girls became victims during this nine-month period, I think the police and social services will be in serious trouble.'

In response to last week's front page, Mr Peter Maddison, assistant chief constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, has sent us a letter to publish defending his forces' actions.

The letter was also signed by Mr Ian White, director of social services.