Police have released footage of two men after a 13-year-old girl was lured into a field and raped in an ‘awful attack’ in London.
Detectives are investigating after the girl reported being attacked in Bethnal Green, in the east of the city.
Officers were alerted to the ‘awful attack’ on the youngster at around 11.30pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
She told police she had seen two men on Whitechapel Road, and they led her into nearby Weavers Fields where she was raped.
She was later found by a member of the public who assisted her.
A £10,000 reward is being offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers, for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The victim’s parents today released a statement through the Metropolitan Police, detailing the ‘devastating’ impact of the attack.
‘Our daughter continues to live in fear for her safety and no longer feels comfortable being on her own,’ they said.
Police have released footage of two men after a 13-year-old girl was raped in an ‘awful attack’ in London
Officers wish to identify the men after the teenager reported being raped in August 2024
‘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.’
Detectives have conducted extensive enquiries since 2024 which have included forensic examinations, speaking to potential witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage.
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, or to contact Crimestoppers via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
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