An investigation was under way today after a young boy was allegedly dragged off a street in north London in broad daylight and raped.

The 11-year old is understood to have been walking to school when he was forced into a stairwell in Stamford Hill last Sunday.

Police were later contacted concerning an allegation of sexual assault on the boy, believed to be from the area’s large Hasidic Jewish community

On the same day officers from the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of rape.

Two days later they arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of the same offence. Both men have been bailed until late October.

Local schools have been made aware of the incident, with parents being warned to be extra vigilant.

A Jewish neighbourhood patrol group has also issued warnings to parents to remind their children “never to accept food or gifts from a stranger”.

Superintendent Andy Walker, of Hackney Police, said extra police patrols had been put in the area after the attack in Oldhill Street.

He said: “These sorts of offences are thankfully very rare in this area, but they are particularly upsetting incidents and I understand the effect this may have on the people of Stamford Hill.”

A spokeswoman for the Met said: “Inquiries are ongoing.”