“We are treating this as a racially aggravated offence due to the language used by the suspects.”
Oldbury: West Midlands Police are actively investigating a shocking case of sexual violence against a Sikh woman in what they are treating as a racially motivated crime. The assault took place in Oldbury Park on the morning of Tuesday, September 9, around 8:30 a.m., drawing condemnation from across the UK’s Sikh community.
Assault Linked to Racial Abuse
The 20-year-old victim, who has not been named, was reportedly attacked by two men while walking through a secluded path near Tame Road. During the assault, the men allegedly hurled racist slurs, including telling her to "go back to your country"—a statement that has led police to pursue the case under hate crime legislation.
“This was not just a violent sexual assault—it was fuelled by deep-seated prejudice,” said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, who is leading the investigation. “We are treating this as a racially aggravated offence due to the language used by the suspects.”
Suspects and Ongoing Search
Investigators have released limited descriptions of the attackers based on preliminary CCTV footage and witness accounts. One suspect is said to be of heavy build with a shaved head, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves. The second individual was seen in a grey top with a silver zipper.
Police are urging anyone in the area between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. that day to come forward with any dashcam footage or relevant details.
Extra patrols have been dispatched across Oldbury and nearby West Bromwich, where a second sexual assault was reported later the same day in Kenrick Park. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two incidents are connected.
Community Response: Outrage and Appeals for Justice
Local faith leaders, advocacy groups, and residents have expressed horror at the attack. The Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick hosted a community forum to address fears of rising hate crimes, especially against women from visible minority backgrounds.
The Sikh Federation UK strongly condemned the assault and criticized the lack of public response from elected officials.
“We expect political leaders to take a firm stand, not only in condemning this brutal attack but also in acknowledging the threat of racially and sexually motivated violence in our communities,” said Davinderjit Singh, a senior representative of the Federation.
He also linked the attack to what he called “the dangerous normalization of xenophobia in political and media discourse,” calling for a UK-wide strategy to combat hate crimes.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Support
The assault has reignited national debates around public safety, gender-based violence, and racial discrimination. Human rights campaigners argue that this case should serve as a wake-up call for local authorities and the central government alike.
Police confirmed that the victim is receiving medical care and emotional support, and specialist officers are in regular contact with her and her family.
