Detectives appeal for information after rape in Bethnal Green

Detectives investigating the rape of a teenage girl in Bethnal Green are releasing images of two men they need to speak to in connection with the investigation.

A £10,000 reward is also on offer from the independent charity Crimestoppers, for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

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.

Officers remain determined to get justice for the victim and her family and are now in the position to release CCTV images of two men they are keen to trace.

The victim’s family said: "Our daughter continues to live in fear for her safety and no longer feels comfortable being on her own. Wherever possible, we accompany her because she simply doesn't feel safe without us.

“She should be enjoying her teenage years, spending time with friends, growing in confidence and looking forward to the future. Instead, so much of that has been taken away from her as a result of this incident.

“While we have done everything we can to support her and stay strong as a family, the impact has been devastating. This has affected all of us in ways that are difficult to put into words.

“We are asking anyone who knows anything about what happened that night to come forward. Even the smallest piece of information could help provide answers and bring us a step closer to justice.”

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton, leading the investigation said: “This was an awful attack on a teenage girl who was targeted and subjected to sexual violence.

"Two years on, our enquiries into this investigation are continuing. If you recognise the men in the CCTV we have released with this appeal, please come forward and speak to us.

“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, it is vital you get in touch.

“We are also working alongside the independent charity Crimestoppers, which is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.”

Alexa Loukas, Regional Manager for London at Crimestoppers, said: "The impact of this horrific crime continues to be felt by the victim and her family two years on. No young person should have to live in fear or have their sense of safety and freedom taken away from them as a result of such a devastating attack.

“We know that someone may hold information that could help identify those responsible. No matter how insignificant it may seem, that piece of information could be crucial in helping secure justice for the victim and her family.

“Crimestoppers is an independent charity and everyone who contacts us remains completely anonymous. We never ask for your name or any personal details. If you know something about this crime but feel unable to speak directly to the police, please come forward and tell us what you know. By speaking up anonymously, you could help bring those responsible to justice and prevent others from becoming victims."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 01/668295/24. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or on their website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Keeping women and girls safe is one of the Met’s top priorities and in the last year, the Met has more than doubled its positive outcomes, including arrests and charges for rape. These statistics reflect the determination of officers and partners to pursue offenders and bring them to justice.