Home secretary appeal over racially-aggravated rape

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called a racially-aggravated rape a "horrific crime" and urged anyone with information to come forward.

It comes after a woman, aged in her 20s, was attacked in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night. A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Mahmood, the MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said: "I know the fear that will be felt by the local Sikh community. I've sought assurances from the police and local leaders that they are doing all they can to support everyone impacted by this crime."

The home secretary added her thoughts were with the victim and her family.

"I urge anyone with more information on the attack to come forward and contact West Midlands Police as soon as possible," Mahmood said on X.

The West Midlands force said the victim had suffered an "absolutely appalling attack", and was being supported by specially trained officers.

They called the arrest of the 32-year-old man a "significant development" in their inquiry and thanked everyone who came forward with information following an appeal on Sunday.

Separately, the force is also investigating the rape of a Sikh woman in neighbouring Sandwell.

Two people have been arrested and bailed in connection with that attack, which happened on 9 September, in Tame Road, Oldbury.

They have also been detained in connection with a further attack, in Hurst Green Park, Halesowen, on Thursday 16 October, police confirmed.

The force said it was not linking the latest attack to the other offences.

Ch Supt Phil Dolby, of Walsall Police, previously said: "Walsall is a diverse area, and we know the fear and concern that this awful attack will cause in our communities."

The force said it was continuing to appeal for anyone with information to contact them.