A 20-year-old Indian-origin woman was allegedly raped in what police are treating as a “racially aggravated” attack in the West Midlands region of the UK. Reported by The Times of India
Authorities said the assault appeared to be motivated by the victim’s ethnic identity and have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
According to The Times of India, officers were called to the Park Hall area on Saturday evening after a distressed woman was found on the street.
Preliminary investigations revealed that she had been assaulted and raped inside a nearby property by a man she did not know.
West Midlands Police released CCTV footage of the suspect, described as a white man in his 30s with short hair, wearing dark clothing at the time of the attack.
“This was an absolutely appalling attack on a young woman, and we are doing everything we can to arrest the person responsible,” Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer said in a statement.
“While we are following multiple lines of enquiry, it’s vital that we hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area.”
Authorities have confirmed the incident is being treated as racially aggravated but said it is not linked to other ongoing investigations.
Community leaders identified the victim as being of Punjabi heritage and expressed concern over a rise in racially motivated assaults.
The case comes just weeks after a British Sikh woman was targeted in a similar racially charged attack in nearby Oldbury.
“Walsall is a diverse area, and we understand the fear this awful attack will cause,” said Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby. “We’ve been speaking to residents to address their concerns, and there will be an increased police presence in the area.”
Specialist officers and forensic teams are continuing evidence recovery and witness tracing. West Midlands Police have urged anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward immediately.