Man arrested after woman raped in 'racially-motivated' attack in West Midlands

Officers investigating a racially-motivated rape in the West Midlands have arrested a man, police have said.

Officers were called just before 8.30am on Tuesday after a Sikh woman in her 20s reported being attacked by two white men in the area around Tame Road in Oldbury.

The man, who is in his 30s, was detained as part of enquiries on Sunday evening, West Midlands Police said. He remains in custody on suspicion of rape.

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, of Sandwell Police, said: "This is a significant development in the investigation and 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."

A previously sealed off area of grassland near Tame Road in Oldbury. Pic: PA
Image: A previously sealed off area of grassland near Tame Road in Oldbury. Pic: PA

The woman, who is entitled to anonymity as the victim of a sex offence, previously issued a statement through community group Sikh Youth UK.

Thanking everyone for their support, she said: "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.

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"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."

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