Detectives seek to trace two men following rape in Bethnal Green

Detectives investigating the rape of a teenage girl in Bethnal Green in 2024 have named two men they wish to speak to in connection with the investigation.

Following an appeal on Monday, 18 September, officers received information from members of the public which has helped progress the investigation. As enquiries continue, detectives are now releasing images of two men they are seeking to trace and are renewing their appeal for information.

A £10,000 reward remains available through the independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Both men are believed to have fled on the day of the public appeal, and extensive efforts continue to trace their whereabouts.

Showkoth Ahmed, 31, from Bangladesh, is believed to still be in the UK and has links to Tower Hamlets.

Jahidul Hassan Jaigirdar, 34, from Bangladesh, also has links to Tower Hamlets and is believed to have travelled to Bangladesh.

An investigation was launched at around 23:30hrs on Thursday, 1 August 2024 after it was reported that a 13-year-old girl had been raped.

The victim reported seeing two men on Whitechapel Road who led her into Weavers Fields where she was raped.

The victim was later found by a member of the public, who helped her.

Detectives have carried out extensive enquiries since 2024 including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting forensic examinations and speaking with potential witnesses.

Throughout the investigation, officers have remained in regular contact with the victim and her family, ensuring they have access to specialist support services and safeguarding measures.

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 asked to call police on 101 quoting 01/668295/24. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 55 111 or on their website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org.