In 2026, the Metropolitan Police and independent charity Crimestoppers renewed a high-priority appeal and confirmed a £10,000 reward for information leading to the trace, arrest, and conviction of two men sought in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old child in Bethnal Green.
Detectives investigating the serious sexual assault released the identities and descriptions of 31-year-old Showkoth Ahmed and 34-year-old Jahidul Hassan Jaigirdar following intelligence gathered from initial public appeals.
The investigation was launched at approximately 11:30pm on Thursday 1 August 2024 after emergency services were alerted to an attack against a child. Inquiries established that the 13-year-old female victim encountered two men along Whitechapel Road. The individuals led the child into the grounds of Weavers Fields in Bethnal Green, where she was subjected to rape. The child was subsequently found in a distressed state by an alert member of the public, who intervened and sought immediate assistance.
Specialist detectives from the Metropolitan Police carried out an extensive inquiry encompassing CCTV trawl analysis, forensic examination of the scene, and witness appeals. Officers have maintained continuous contact with the survivor and her family to provide specialist safeguarding and support services.
Following an appeal on Monday 18 September, crucial community intelligence allowed investigators to identify the two individuals. However, detectives established that both men fled their known locations on the exact day the public appeal was published:
Showkoth Ahmed, 31, originating from Bangladesh, is believed by investigators to remain within the United Kingdom and retains strong community connections across Tower Hamlets.
Jahidul Hassan Jaigirdar, 34, also originating from Bangladesh with links to Tower Hamlets, is believed to have fled the jurisdiction and travelled abroad to Bangladesh.
Alexa Loukas, Regional Manager for London at Crimestoppers, commented on the renewed manhunt:
“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.”
The public is urged to submit any sightings or intelligence directly to the police via 101, quoting investigation reference 01/668295/24.
Information can also be submitted with 100% anonymity to Crimestoppers by calling freephone 0800 555 111 or via their secure online reporting portal at crimestoppers-uk.org to qualify for the £10,000 reward.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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