Oldbury, UK/IBNS: A young Sikh woman in her 20s was raped in broad daylight at a park in Oldbury, West Midlands, and subjected to racist abuse, including being told to “go back to your country,” police said. The assault is being treated as a racially aggravated hate crime. 

The attack occurred just before 8:30 a.m. last Tuesday in a secluded area off Tame Road, media reports said. 

The perpetrators are two white men: one described as heavily built, with a shaven head, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves; the other described wearing a grey top with a silver zip. 

West Midlands Police are seeking the two white suspects.

During the assault, the attackers reportedly told the woman to “go back to your own country.”

Police Response and Community Outcry

West Midlands Police have launched an intensive investigation, appealing to the public for any CCTV, dashcam, mobile footage, or witness accounts that could help identify the suspects. 

The attack has sparked fear and anger in the Sikh community, which believes the assault may be part of a rising trend of racist attacks.

As a result, extra patrols have been deployed in the area, especially to reassure residents. 

While authorities continue forensic and CCTV enquiries, members of the public are urged to come forward with any information. 

Political and Public Reaction

Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill condemned the act as “an act of extreme violence and racism,” affirming that every community has the right to feel safe and that racism and misogyny have no place in Britain.

Another MP, Jas Athwal, called the assault “vile, racist, misogynist,” urging that it be treated with the utmost seriousness. 

Smethwick MP Gurinder Singh Josan has described the rape of the Sikh woman in Oldbury as “truly horrific,” urging the community to cooperate fully with police as the attack is investigated as a racially aggravated hate crime.
In a statement issued on Friday, Josan said the assault took place on 9 September between 8 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. off Tame Road, not far from his constituency office. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victim,” he said, adding that police had confirmed the involvement of two men who also directed a racist remark at the victim during the attack.

Josan stressed that police were treating the case as an isolated incident, deploying resources to track down the perpetrators through CCTV footage, forensic analysis and other lines of inquiry. He thanked local residents who have already provided information, including video evidence.

Appealing for further assistance, the MP said: “If you have any information that could be of help, please contact the police via 101 quoting log 798 or 9 September.”

Acknowledging the outrage within the Sikh community, Josan urged patience as detectives pursue the investigation. He emphasised that the victim’s trauma and recovery must remain paramount. “The police will need to work sympathetically with the victim at her pace,” he said, pledging to stay in close contact with investigators in the coming days.