THREE men have been found guilty of gang raping and robbing prostitutes in brothels in Waltham Forest.

The men from Hackney targeted premises in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, Leyton High Road and two brothels in Leytonstone High Road.

Ibrahim Gunduz, 18, Imani Williams and Andre Victor, both 21, became progressively more violent during the one-month spree, which also took in brothels in Forest gate and Hackney.

A total of seven women were raped after the gang entered the premises posing as customers.

Williams and Victor initially worked alone but on discovering the women were wary of two black men, they enlisted the help of Gunduz, who is Turkish, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

They are due to be sentenced on November 27.

Williams admitted four counts of robbery, but denied rape.

Victor admitted robbery at three of the premises, but also denied rape.

Gunduz admitted rape and robbery at the brothel in Leyton High Road, two other counts of robbery and one count of actual bodily harm.

Investigating officer Det Insp Larry Smith, said: "We're pleased to have secured these convictions and taken three violent young men off the streets.

"They acted like kids in a candy shop; they thought they could take what they liked, no doubt thinking they would get away with their crimes as they were targeting prostitutes.

“Motivated initially by robbery, the attacks they carried out were gratuitous and utterly unnecessary.

"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."