Police have named two men they wish to speak to following the rape of a 13-year-old girl in east London.
The Met wishes to trace Showkoth Ahmed, 31, and Jahidul Hassan Jaigirdar, 34, following information from members of the public after an appeal last month.
Men linked to Tower Hamlets
Ahmed, from Bangladesh, is believed to still be in the UK and has links to Tower Hamlets. Jaigirdar is also from Bangladesh and also has links to Tower Hamlets. He is believed to have travelled to his home country.
Police believe both men disappeared on September 18, the day of the appeal.
At around 11.30pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the teenage girl was found by a member of the public, who helped her.
Investigation details
The young victim stated she had been approached by two men on Whitechapel Road who led her into Weavers Fields, where she was raped.
The Met carried out extensive enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting forensic examinations and speaking with potential witnesses, and released CCTV images of two men in September.
The victim and her family have been in regular contact with the force throughout the investigation, giving them access to specialist support services and safeguarding measures.
Appeal for information
A £10,000 reward is available through charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton, leading the investigation, said: “We have carried out extensive enquiries since this offence was reported.
“I would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeal in September and provided information to police. The information we received has helped progress our investigation and led us to this stage of our enquiries.
“We are now naming Ahmed and Jaigirdar as men we need to trace and speak to. We believe Ahmed remains in the UK and Jaigirdar may have travelled to Bangladesh.
“We are asking anyone who knows their whereabouts, or who has information that could assist our investigation, to come forward immediately. We would also urge Ahmed and Jaigirdar to contact police.”
Alexa Loukas, Regional Manager for London at the charity Crimestoppers, said: "A young girl was subjected to a horrific and traumatic attack.
"While identifying the two men police wish to speak to is a positive step, locating them remains crucial. If anyone has any information, no matter how small, about where they are, you can share that information with the independent charity Crimestoppers.
"You will never be asked to provide your name or identify who you are. Your information could help move the investigation forward and protect other young women from harm.”
"A reward of up to £10,000 remains available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Your information could make a vital difference."
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting 01/668295/24, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 55 111.
