The UK Police have launched a probe after a British Sikh woman in her 20s was allegedly raped in a racially motivated assault in Oldbury, West Midlands, earlier this week.
The incident, reported on Tuesday morning, is being treated as a “racially aggravated attack,” according to West Midlands Police, Hindustan Times reported.
“The woman has told us that a racist remark was made to her during the attack. We are currently treating it as an isolated incident,” police said in a statement, as quoted by PTI.
The suspects have been described as two white men. One was of heavy build with a shaved head, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves, while the second man reportedly wore a grey top with a silver zip.
Authorities have appealed for information from the public to help trace them.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators told the woman, “You don’t belong in this country, get out.
” The incident has sparked outrage within the Sikh community, leading to a meeting of faith and community leaders at Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick.
Jas Singh, principal advisor to the Sikh Federation (UK), said the attack reflected a troubling climate. “If you look at it in the context of the current climate, it makes it even more worrying because there is a trend of hatred and targeting of migrants,” he noted.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police said CCTV, forensic evidence, and other enquiries were underway.
“We fully understand the anger and worry this has caused. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area,” she assured.
Gurinder Singh Josan, MP for Smethwick, described the assault as a “truly horrific attack” that left the victim traumatised.
He urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the police investigation of the hate crime.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment