Racism and hate crimes 'no longer a fringe issue'

The call follows high profile attacks such as on two Sikh cab drivers in Wolverhampton

An anti-racist group is calling on politicians in the West Midlands to show "moral courage" against racist attacks.

Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime said it was "deeply alarmed" by what it called an "uptick in racist attacks" and called for the city to continue being a proud symbol of diversity, solidarity and community.

The group voiced concerns about an increase in attacks in the region, after the rape of a woman in Oldbury and a taxi driver in Wolverhampton.

Anthony Gibbon from the organisation said the growing use of anti-migrant and xenophobic language was becoming "a threat to safety, dignity and the cohesion of our community".

"We want to be clear that this is not acceptable, and it must not be allowed to continue.

"We want political leaders in the city and the West Midlands police and crime commissioner to publicly and unequivocally condemn these race attacks and also the narratives that are enabling them.

"Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes are not a fringe issue anymore," he said.

It comes as a Sikh leader warned his community was feeling increasingly anxious about the attacks, with one gurdawara increasing spending on security.

Last week, police issued a fresh appeal for information in relation to a woman who was sexually assaulted, described by officers as racially motivated.

The woman in her 20s was attacked in the Tame Road area of Oldbury at about 08:30 BST on 9 September.

MP Preet Gill previously said she had seen an increase in hate crimes reported to her by her constituents.

In August, an attack left a Sikh taxi driver in Wolverhampton with broken ribs, which police are also treating as racially aggravated.

The driver was one of two victims who were attacked outside the city's railway station at about 13:45 BST on Friday 15 August. The other man, 64, also needed hospital treatment for bruising, the Sikh Federation UK said.

Mr Gibbon said he hoped Brummies "of every background" would stand united against hate.

"We must not allow division to take root in our city," he said.