British police have announced a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in east London.
The suspects have been identified as Zahidul Hasan Jaigirdar, 34, and Shawkat Ahmed, 31. The Metropolitan Police believe both men have links to the Tower Hamlets area and may have fled the United Kingdom.
According to investigators, Jaigirdar is believed to have escaped to Bangladesh, while Ahmed may have travelled to mainland Europe. However, police have not ruled out the possibility that Ahmed could still be in the UK.
The alleged incident took place late on August 1, 2024, in Weavers Fields, Bethnal Green, east London.
Police said the victim reported encountering two men on Whitechapel Road at around 11:30pm. The men allegedly took her to Weavers Fields, where she was sexually assaulted. A passer-by subsequently found the girl and provided assistance, prompting authorities to investigate.
Over the past two years, detectives have conducted extensive inquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, carrying out forensic examinations and interviewing potential witnesses.
A significant development came on September 18 this year, when police received what they described as crucial information from members of the public.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information that helps secure the suspects’ arrest and conviction. The organisation has assured potential informants that they can provide information anonymously.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Dayton, who is leading the investigation, thanked members of the public who had previously assisted police and urged anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to come forward.
“We are appealing to anyone who knows where they are or has information that could assist our investigation to contact us,” she said. She also urged Ahmed and Jaigirdar to contact police directly.
The Metropolitan Police are continuing to coordinate with law enforcement agencies internationally, including in Bangladesh and Europe, in an effort to locate the two wanted men and bring them before the courts.
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