A man has been arrested after a Sikh woman in her 20s was raped in a racially-motivated attack in Oldbury.
The woman reported being dragged and assaulted on parkland off Tame Road at around 8.30am on Tuesday, 9 September, while walking to work. During the attack, one of her assailants told her to “go back to your own country” or words to that effect, according to the Sikh Federation (UK).
West Midlands Police confirmed last night that a man in his 30s had been detained on suspicion of rape as part of the investigation. He remains in custody.
In a statement, the force said: “Officers investigating a racially-motivated rape in Oldbury have this evening arrested a man. The man, in his 30s, was detained as part of enquiries into the assault in the Tame Road area on Tuesday morning. He remains in custody tonight on suspicion of rape. The woman is continuing to receive support as investigations continue.”
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police described the arrest as a “significant development” but stressed the investigation was ongoing. She added: “We want to thank the community for their continuing support. The investigation remains ongoing and we would urge people not to speculate as we work to identify and trace all those who may have been involved.”
The attack has shocked the Sikh community, with leaders demanding urgent progress. On Thursday, Sikh representatives told police they had “48 hours” to make an arrest or face widespread protests.
The case has been formally designated as racially aggravated. Officers are continuing to appeal for information and are reviewing CCTV, forensics, and other leads.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police quoting log 798 of 9 September.