Protest held over 'racially aggravated' rape

A demonstration has been held after a woman in her 20s was attacked in Oldbury

Members of the Sikh community have gathered in protest over a rape that police are treating as racially aggravated.

Since the attack, the victim has released a public statement thanking the community for its "love and support".

The woman, in her 20s, reported being attacked by two men on Tuesday near Tame Road in Oldbury, West Midlands. Police later said the men made a racist remark during the attack.

In her statement, she said: "I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us."

"Through it all, my family has been my rock and my community has stood strong beside me."

The demonstration, held to show solidarity with the victim, began in Smethwick before heading to the scene of the attack.

At the demonstration, Kuldeep Singh Deol, former president of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, said: "This attack on our sister is shameful. Our daughters, sisters, and mothers deserve to be safe, regardless of colour or which faith they belong to.

"Girls and women, especially, should feel safe in our society. Our politicians are failing us - creating divides instead of building bridges and solutions.

"Local politicians must step up and do more to protect and unite our communities."

Smethwick's Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan said he had "an expectation [the government] would do a lot more".

He added that he had already had conversations with ministers at the government's Equalities Office, as well as Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary.

"This is something they're taking very seriously," he said.

'We will not tolerate extremism'

Sangat Singh, who was taking part in the demonstration, added: "This was a vile act of racial hatred and sexual violence.

"Sikhs have stood for this nation - from Saragarhi to the world wars - earning Victoria Crosses for bravery.

"We are proud citizens, contributing through the NHS, in business, and across British society.

"This was not only an attack on our community, but a violation of a woman's dignity - and it must be met with justice.

"We have as much right to this country, and its symbols, as anyone else. We will not tolerate extremism in its name."

The woman reported being attacked by two men on Tuesday morning near Tame Road in Oldbury, West Midlands

The Sikh Federation (UK), which has been supporting the victim, said the perpetrators reportedly told her during the attack: "You don't belong in this country, get out."

West Midlands Police are still hunting two men and said they had "a number of positive lines of enquiry".

They added: "We urgently want to speak with anyone in the area who may have seen two men."

The first man has been described as being white with a shaved head and of heavy build. He was also said to be wearing a dark-coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on.

The second man was also white and wore a grey top with a silver zip.

In her statement, the victim said: "The police are doing their best to find those responsible and I truly hope they are caught so that this doesn't happen to anyone else."

'I cannot thank you enough'

Throughout her statement, the woman repeatedly thanked people for the support her and her family had received.

"We are going through a lot, but the strength and kindness shown by the right people in the community has been incredible, and I can't thank them enough for being my voice," she said.

"There has been so much love and support, and I am truly humbled.

"I want to personally thank my family, Sikh Youth UK who have been so supportive, the local Gurdwara committees and Sikh orgs, and everyone in my community who has stood by me.

"I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through this difficult time."

'Seriously worried'

The Sikh Federation (UK) is in touch with the victim and her family and said it had been providing her with support.

Speaking to the BBC, Dabinderjit Singh from the federation said: "This is unheard of. It's really difficult trying to get across how seriously worried people are, especially young women.

"People are looking back over their shoulders."

Mr Singh referred to another recent assault in the West Midlands, when two elderly Sikh taxi drivers were attacked near Wolverhampton Railway Station in August.

Police are also treating that as racially aggravated.

"These two incidents happened quite quickly in succession and not that far apart," Mr Singh said.

"We're generally worried about the political climate created around people that look different.

"There's concern from a national perspective about the rhetoric created around the country about foreigners.

"There's been a feeling in the country since the referendum to pass on the blame to people who look different."