MPs have voiced outrage after the reported racially motivated rape of a 20-year-old Sikh woman in Oldbury, near Birmingham.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on Tuesday morning off Tame Road. Police say two white men are suspected of carrying out the attack, during which racist abuse was hurled at the victim.
One suspect is described as having a shaved head and wearing gloves. According to a Sikh community group that spoke to the victim, the attackers told her, “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
West Midlands Police confirmed they are treating the case as a racially aggravated, isolated incident. Detectives are pursuing several lines of enquiry, including CCTV and forensic evidence, and have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents.
Local MPs expressed shock and anger. Gurinder Singh Josan, MP for Smethwick, urged the community to remain calm while police continue their investigation. Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, described the attack as absolutely horrible, stressing that “violence and hatred has no place in our society.”
Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said she was deeply shocked and noted that constituents had contacted her out of fear. “Our Sikh community and every community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued,” she said.
Other MPs, including Jas Athwal of Ilford South and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi of Slough, linked the incident to rising racial tensions and urged police to act swiftly.
Chief Supt Kim Madill said: “We are working really hard to identify those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information to call 101, quoting log 798 of 9 September.
