Police are investigating a "racially motivated attack" after a Sikh woman reported being raped in Oldbury, West Midlands.
The victim, reported to be a British-born Sikh woman in her twenties, told officers that racist remarks were made during the assault in the Tame Road on Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am.
The attack was reported to West Midlands Police just before 8:30am.
According to the Sikh Federation (UK), the perpetrators allegedly told the woman during the attack: "You don't belong in this country, get out."
Officers are seeking two white men seen in the area during the incident. The first suspect is described as having a shaved head and heavy build, wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.
Police said they are treating it as an “isolated incident” but understand the “anger and worry” it has caused the community.
The attack occurred against a backdrop of anti-immigration protests and rising tensions around the use of hotels for asylum seekers across the UK.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, of Sandwell Police, said: “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other inquiries well under way.
“We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible.
“Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.”
Dabinderjit Singh, the lead executive for political engagement at the Sikh Federation (UK), said the attack took place in “broad daylight on a busy road”, and Sikh Youth UK is supporting the victim and her family.
He said: “Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
