SECURITY gates have been installed in the maze of alleyways in the Luton area of Chatham, the scene of two rapes.

Work on a gate in Kings Road, Luton, started last week and further gates have already been erected in Constitution Road and Seymour Road. The move is part of a package of safety measures in the area with CCTV cameras due to be in operation by the end of the year.

A Medway Council spokesman said: "These are all part of a planned programme of work in Medway. They have not been installed as a result of the recently reported serious incidents in that area."

In the past month two women in their 20s have been raped, the first in Hare Street and the second in Chalk Pit Hill in Holcombe.

Police have renewed an appeal for information about the crimes or the possible identities of the rapists. Calls will be treated in confidence.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.