A man from Kilburn has been found guilty of raping and stabbing a 15-year-old girl inside Hampstead Cemetery.

Miles Edward Hughes, 18, of Dynham Road, was just 17 when he carried out his brutal attack on his victim in July last year.

The Old Bailey heard the pair knew each and other and were sitting and talking in the cemetery when Hughes pulled out a knife and began slashing her arms and demanding sex.

When his victim refused he raped her and tried to stab her in the neck and throat.

His distressed victim was saved when a passerby intervened and Hughes fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterwards.

Yesterday he was convicted by a jury and has been remanded in custody to be sentenced on February 24 at the Old Bailey.

DC Gary Fernon, investigating officer, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the young victim who is still coming to terms with what happened.

“I am pleased that Hughes - who was just 17 at the time of the attack - now faces a long spell behind bars for this horrific crime.”