Police in Britain are investigating what they described as a “racially aggravated” rape of a young Sikh woman in the West Midlands, an attack that has triggered outrage and concern within the community.
The woman, in her twenties, reported to police that she was raped by two men in Oldbury, in the Sandwell district, on Tuesday morning. During the assault, the attackers allegedly hurled racist abuse, shouting “go back to your country.”
West Midlands Police confirmed they were treating the case as a racially motivated hate crime. “We’re investigating after a woman reported to us that she had been raped in Oldbury in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack," the force said in a statement.
Detectives have begun analysing CCTV footage and forensic samples to track down the suspects, described locally as white men — one with a shaved head and dark sweatshirt, the other wearing a grey top.
Also read: 30-year-old British Sikh man fatally stabbed in London attack
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill sought to reassure residents. “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well underway. We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible,” she said, according to Sky News.
Community leaders and elected representatives condemned the attack, warning that the rise in open displays of racism was fuelling insecurity. Gurinder Singh Josan, MP for Smethwick, said the “truly horrific attack” had left the victim traumatised and appealed for witnesses to come forward. “I am reassured Sandwell police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators. The incident is being treated as a hate crime,” he said.
Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill also issued a strong condemnation. “This was an act of extreme violence and racially aggravated abuse. She does belong here. Every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury or anywhere in Britain,” she said.
Police have appealed for anyone in the area with information about the two men to contact investigators.
Follow us
