£20,000 Reward To Solve Mystery Thames Death

A £20,000 reward is up for grabs in a bid to solve the riddle of a young East London man, who suspiciously drowned in the Thames a year ago.

Ibrahim Gharib, 20, of Tarling Street, Poplar drowned in Shadwell Basin in nearby Garnet Street on March 18, last year.

Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC) are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

Eight suspects have already been arrested and are currently on bail, but nobody has been charged with any offence.

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith said: “A lot of work has gone into this investigation but we still do not know exactly what happened immediately before Ibrahim fell into the water or what caused him to fall.

“We are hoping that this appeal might jog someone's memory or encourage people to come forward with information.”

Ibrahim's family said: “As a family, not a day goes by that we don't think about Ibrahim and wish that he was still here with us.

“We hope that the reward will prompt someone to share information about who is responsible for the incident at Shadwell Basin that caused Ibrahim's untimely and unnecessary death”.



Officers were called at 9:37pm to reports a man had fallen into the Thames.

The fire brigade, ambulance service, police and the Marine Policing Unit all attended the scene. 



It is believed Ibrahim, and a 17-year old female friend had been on the waterside and may have rowed with some other people.



A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as drowning.



The HSCC are asking for witnesses to call them on 020 8345 3734 or to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police arrested two men, aged 22 and 20, last year soon after the tragedy on suspicion of murder and a 22 year-old woman on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Eight months later five young men aged 24, 20, 18 and two 19 year-olds were arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed pending further enquiries.