Woman raped in 'racially aggravated' attack

Police have sealed off an area of grassland near Tame Road in Oldbury

A woman's rape is being treated by police as a "racially aggravated attack".

West Midlands Police were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday after the woman, in her 20s, reported being attacked by two men around Tame Road, Oldbury.

A force spokesperson said the men made a racist remark during the attack, and officers were appealing for witnesses.

Ch Supt Kim Madill said: "We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other inquiries well under way."

She added: "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."

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 on gloves.

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

The attack is reported to have taken place just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday on Tame Road

The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators reportedly told the woman during the attack: "You don't belong in this country, get out."

Dabinderjit Singh, the lead executive for political engagement at the Sikh Federation (UK), said the attack took place in "broad daylight on a busy road", adding that Sikh Youth UK was supporting the victim and her family.

He said: "Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks.

"The current racist political environment is driven by populism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views.

"More than 48 hours later we await the public condemnation by politicians on all sides of this brutal racist and sexual attack where a young Sikh woman has been viciously beaten and raped."

Gurinder Singh Josan, Labour MP for Smethwick, wrote on X: "This is a truly horrific attack and my thoughts are with the victim.

"I have now spoken with the Borough Commander Chief Supt Kim Madill and am reassured Sandwell Police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators.

"The incidence is being treated as a hate crime. The police are working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised by the attack.

"We are grateful for all the CCTV and information that has already been forthcoming from the community."