Man charged with racially aggravated rape of woman

A man has been charged with the racially aggravated rape of a woman in Walsall.

John Ashby, 32, of no fixed address, is accused of one count of rape and sexual assault in relation to the attack, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

It comes after a woman, aged in her 20s, was targeted in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night.

Mr Ashby has also been charged with intentional strangulation, racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and robbery in relation to the same victim.

The CPS said the victim was not known to the attacker.

Mr Ashby, who West Midlands Police described as white and British, is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

"We know the fear and concern this attack has caused in our communities," Ch Supt Phil Dolby.

"We continue to speak to people in the community to listen to and understand their concerns.

"Officers have visited faith establishments in Walsall and spoken with local leaders about women's safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable.

"We need to continue to maintain those conversations and how we build on women's safety in the community."

Det Supt Ronan Tyrer added: "The woman who was the subject of the attack has been informed of the charging decision this evening.

"She is continuing to be supported by our specially-trained officers."