Police arrest man after Sikh woman raped in Oldbury amid chilling racist abuse

A man has been arrested after a young Sikh woman reported being raped in a racially motivated attack in Oldbury, West Midlands.

The woman, described as a British-born Sikh in her 20s, told police that her attacker used a racist slur as he assaulted her on Tuesday morning. According to the Sikh Federation (UK), she was told: “You don’t belong in this country, get out” while the assault took place between 8am and 8.30am in Tame Road.

West Midlands police confirmed on Sunday that a man in his 30s had been taken into custody on suspicion of rape. He remains under arrest as inquiries continue. Detectives are treating the case as a racially motivated crime and say the investigation is progressing at pace.

In a statement released through the Sikh Federation, the victim said she was grateful for the solidarity shown by her family and wider community. “I want to sincerely thank everyone for supporting me and my family during this very difficult time,” 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.

“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. Through it all, my family has been my rock, and my community has stood strong beside me.

“The police are doing their best to find those responsible and I truly hope they are caught so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of West Midlands police described the arrest as “a significant development in the investigation”. 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.”

Police earlier appealed for information on two men believed to be linked to the incident. One was described as white, with a shaved head, heavy build, and wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves. The other was said to be wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

Local MPs reacted with shock and anger after news of the assault spread. Sarah Coombes, Labour’s MP for West Bromwich, which covers Oldbury, condemned the incident as “absolutely horrible”, stressing: “Violence and hatred has no place in our society.”

Gurinder Singh Josan, Labour MP for Smethwick, branded the attack “truly horrific” and welcomed the police’s decision to treat it as a hate crime. Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said she had been contacted by distressed constituents and vowed to support the Sikh community: “Our Sikh community and every community has the right to feel safe, respected and valued. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury, or anywhere in Britain.”

The case has provoked outrage among community leaders and renewed calls for tougher action against hate crimes targeting minority groups. Campaigners warn that Sikh women, in particular, face the double burden of racism and misogyny.

As the investigation continues, police have urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Officers are also providing specialist support to the victim, who remains under the care of family and community groups.

The attack, carried out in broad daylight in a residential area, has left many residents shaken. For now, the Sikh Federation says it will continue to work closely with the police and ensure the victim’s voice is heard as she pursues justice