Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Oct 27: In a shocking incident, UK Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a white male suspect after a racially aggravated rape of a 20-year-old woman, believed to be of Indian heritage, in northern England’s Walsall area.
According to West Midlands Police, officers were called to the Park Hall area on Saturday evening after reports of a distressed woman found on the street. The police confirmed that they are treating the crime as a racially motivated sexual assault, releasing CCTV footage of the suspect to the public to assist with the investigation.
“This was an absolutely appalling attack on a young woman, and we are doing everything we can to arrest the person responsible,” said Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer, who is leading the investigation. He added that multiple teams were working to collect forensic evidence and build a profile of the suspect.
Police described the suspect as a white man in his 30s, with short hair, dressed in dark clothing at the time of the attack. Investigators have appealed to the public for any information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, that could help trace the attacker.
“It’s vital that we hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area,” DS Tyrer said. “Your information could be the vital breakthrough we need.”
Community groups have expressed outrage, claiming the victim is a Punjabi woman, and raised concerns following another racially aggravated rape of a British Sikh woman in nearby Oldbury just weeks ago. However, DS Tyrer clarified that police are not linking the two incidents at this stage.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby said police patrols have been increased in Walsall to reassure residents. “We know the fear and concern this awful attack will cause in our communities. Our focus remains on supporting the victim and bringing the attacker to justice,” he said.
The Sikh Federation UK condemned the assault, urging police to act swiftly. “West Midlands Police have now had two racially aggravated rapes of young women in their 20s in the last two months and urgently need to find those responsible,” the organisation said.
Authorities have confirmed that specialist officers from the Public Protection Unit and forensic teams are working round the clock to identify and apprehend the suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police calling on the public to share any information that may help bring the perpetrator to justice.