The Metropolitan Police has renewed an appeal for information two years after a 13-year-old girl was raped in Bethnal Green, releasing CCTV images of two men detectives want to speak to in connection with the investigation.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The investigation was launched at around 11.30pm on Thursday, 1 August 2024, after it was reported that the girl had been raped. According to the Met, the victim told officers she had seen two men on Whitechapel Road who led her into Weavers Fields, where she was attacked.
The girl was later found by a member of the public, who helped her.
Detectives say they have carried out extensive enquiries over the past two years, including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting forensic examinations and speaking with potential witnesses. Officers say they have remained in regular contact with the victim and her family, ensuring they have access to specialist support services and safeguarding measures.
The appeal was issued on Thursday, 18 September 2026, with detectives saying they are now in a position to release the CCTV images of the two men they are keen to trace.
Family’s appeal for information
In a statement released through the Met, the victim’s family said their daughter continues to live in fear and no longer feels comfortable being on her own.
“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,” the family said.
“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.”
“This was an awful attack”
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton, who is leading the investigation, described the case as “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,” she said.
“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 the 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,” she said.
“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.”
How to contact the police
Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101, quoting reference 01/668295/24. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111 or through its website.
Crimestoppers said everyone who contacts the charity remains completely anonymous, and it never asks for a name or personal details.
The Met said officers remain determined to get justice for the victim and her family. Keeping women and girls safe is one of the force’s top priorities, and the Met said it has more than doubled its positive outcomes, including arrests and charges for rape, over the last year.
