A prolific paedophile has been jailed over historic child sex offences in Tower Hamlets.

Muhammad Talukdar, 51, began sexually abusing a girl in 1998, when she was just eight years old.

Police launched an investigation into Talukdar, of Balance Street in Bath, in 2020.

Despite the lack of DNA evidence, officers carried out extensive interviews with friends and family of the victim and gathered medical records to show the extent of abuse.

The victim also gave permission for the notes from her counselling sessions to be shared.

Talukdar was found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault at Snaresbrook Crown Court in March.

He was jailed for 14 years at the same court on May 31.

Detective Constable Paul Hawthorn, who led the investigation, said: “I’d like to commend the bravery of the victim for her strength throughout this investigation.

“I hope this case serves as inspiration to others who may understandably fear speaking out against this kind of abhorrent abuse.

He added: “We will continue to build cases against dangerous predators like Talukdar as part of our commitment to protecting women and girls and eradicating sexual violence.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse – no matter how long ago – to please come forward to police and get the support you so rightly deserve”.