A man arrested by police investigating the rape of a Sikh woman in a “racially motivated attack” in the West Midlands has been bailed.
West Midlands Police said on Wednesday that the suspect, who is in his 30s, was detained on Sunday but had been released on bail pending further inquiries.
The victim, reported to be a British-born Sikh woman in her 20s, told police she was sexually assaulted on Tame Road in Oldbury on September 9.
The attack allegedly occurred between 8am and 8:30am as she was walking to work, with the perpetrators reportedly making racist remarks during the assault.
According to the Sikh Federation (UK), the attackers allegedly told the woman "you don't belong in this country, get out" during the sexual assault.
Officers are conducting extensive forensic inquiries and reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage as part of their investigation. The victim is receiving ongoing support from specialist officers whilst the inquiry continues.
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen two white men in the area around the time of the attack.
The first suspect is described as having a shaved head, heavy build, and was wearing gloves with a dark coloured sweatshirt, whilst the second was wearing a grey top with a silver zip.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, police commander at Sandwell, said: “We are working closely with key partners and we absolutely understand the concern of local people.
“We need the public’s help to bring us information on who has carried out this horrendous attack.
“I can reassure you that we are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice on this young woman’s behalf.”
Anyone with useful information about what happened should contact the force via 101, quoting log 798 or September 9, or on the online portal at: mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ25C17-PO1
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
