Shocking CCTV footage has shown the moment a woman was led by the hand to a quiet street near London's busy Covent Garden where she was gang raped.

The 34-year-old woman had been out with friends in the area, which is popular for its fancy bars and restaurants, and was making her way home.

As she walked down Greek Street around 12:15am on March 20 she was approached by three Asian men, with one taking her by the hand and appearing to act as a Good Samaritan.

CCTV footage shows a woman being led by the hand by three Asian men to a quiet street in Covent Garden where she was gang raped

One man was seen walking with the woman while two more followed behind, pictured

One of the other men was then seen following along the street a short distance behind

The other attacker was also filmed walking alone, following his companions

Footage showed one holding her hand and leading her along the street with the other two following separately at a short distance behind.

The men led her to a secluded area of Slingsby Place, where at least two of them raped her.

The street, which runs between Jamie's Italian and SUDA Thai Cafe, is also a busy nightlife spot, and police have released CCTV footage in a bid to catch the suspects.

Detective Constable Ben Lucas, from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: 'This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim who naturally remains extremely distressed by what happened.

'We have released footage of the suspects in Greek Street in the hope someone will recognise them or saw them that night.

'If you have any information please come forward.'

The men appear to be aged in their 30s. The man pictured walking with the woman is described as having a shaven head and wearing a dark blazer and trousers and black shoes.

The other men are both described as having beards and short hair, with one wearing a light-coloured gilet, dark trousers and white trainers, while the other is wearing a dark coat and dark trousers.

The men led her to a secluded area of Slingsby Place, where at least two of them raped her