Family says girl no longer feels safe on her own as police renew appeal
The family of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly raped in Weavers Fields, Bethnal Green, two years ago has made a public appeal for information after the Metropolitan Police released CCTV images of two men they wish to trace. The family said the attack has left their daughter “living in fear” and unable to be alone.
The girl reported the assault to police after the incident, which the Met says took place at about 11:30pm on 1 August 2024. According to the police timeline, the teenager saw two men on Whitechapel Road before she was taken to Weavers Fields — a roughly 15-minute walk away — where the alleged attack is said to have occurred. A member of the public later found the girl and assisted her, the Met reported.
“Our daughter continues to live in fear for her safety and no longer feels comfortable being on her own…She should be enjoying her teenage years…Instead, so much of that has been taken away from her as a result of this incident,” the family said in a statement.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton, who is leading the investigation, described the incident as an “awful attack on a teenage girl who was targeted and subjected to sexual violence.” She said inquiries are ongoing and urged anyone who recognises the men shown on the released CCTV footage to contact police.
How the public can assist
- Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police through its usual reporting channels.
- Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, the organisation said.
- Even apparently small or trivial information could help, the Met said.
The family’s statement made clear the personal cost: the girl now avoids being alone and is accompanied whenever possible. They appealed to anyone with knowledge of the events that night to come forward, saying that even the smallest detail could help bring answers and move the case towards justice.
Timeline of key events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 August 2024 | Girl reports being raped at about 11:30pm; said she saw two men on Whitechapel Road and was taken to Weavers Fields. |
| Shortly after incident | Member of the public finds and assists the victim. |
| 19 September 2026 | Metropolitan Police release CCTV images of two men and renew appeal; Crimestoppers offers £10,000 reward. |
The renewed appeal and release of images come as part of continued investigative work by the Met two years after the reported assault. Detective Chief Inspector Deighton emphasised the importance of public assistance, saying any recognition of the men in the footage should be reported.
Crimestoppers’ regional manager for London, Alexa Loukas, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting anonymous information sharing and highlighted the reward in place for information leading to arrest and conviction.
Local context and safety advice
Although this incident occurred in east London, the facts underline broader concerns about the safety of young people in public spaces after dark. Parents and guardians are reminded to keep lines of communication open with teenagers about meeting places, routes and the importance of travelling with others where possible. Community groups and local organisations often run safety-awareness sessions and neighbourhood-watch schemes; anyone interested should contact their local council or police safer neighbourhoods team for information.
The Met’s message is clear: if you recognise the men in the CCTV images or have any information relevant to the case, report it through the police channels or via Crimestoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers’ online service or on its phone line.
This report is based on accounts and statements released by the Metropolitan Police, the victim’s family and Crimestoppers, as reported by London Now and local press.
