Police in the West Midlands, UK, are actively searching for a man suspected of the “racially aggravated” rape and assault of an Indian-origin woman in Walsall on Saturday evening. Despite an urgent appeal, the attacker remains on the run.
Details of the Attack and Suspect Profile
The victim, a woman in her 20s, was subjected to rape and assault at a property nearby the area where the incident began, by a man she did not know. The police immediately issued an “urgent” appeal for information on Sunday after officers established the nature of the attack.
In an effort to identify the attacker, the West Midlands Police have released somewhat blurred CCTV footage captured from the area. The footage shows the man walking in an outdoor setting, likely a park, and provides the following details about the suspect:
- Race: White
- Age: In his 30s
- Hair: Short or thinning
While official confirmation is pending, local community groups have identified the victim as a Punjabi woman.
Investigation and Community Anxiety
The investigation is being overseen by Detective Superintendent (DS) Ronan Tyrer. He condemned the crime, stating, “This was an absolutely appalling attack on a young woman, and we are doing absolutely everything we can to arrest the person responsible.”
Police teams are currently deployed to gather evidence and create a comprehensive profile of the attacker. DS Tyrer stressed the need for public assistance, asking anyone who noticed a man acting suspiciously to come forward.
“It may be that you were driving through the area and have dashcam footage, or you have CCTV that we have not yet recovered. Your information could be the vital breakthrough that we need,” he added.
The incident has caused significant concern among local community groups, as the racially aggravated nature of the assault closely follows the recent rape of a British Sikh woman in the nearby Oldbury area.