UK shocker: Woman believed to be of Indian origin raped in Walsall; police issue urgent appeal to trace suspect

A woman believed to be of Indian origin in her 20s was allegedly raped in United Kingdom's Walsall, the police have issued an urgent appeal to locate a white male suspect following the "racially aggravated" crime

West Midlands Police stated that they were called to the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday evening after learning about concerns of a woman in distress in the street. The force released CCTV footage of the suspect as part of a public appeal for information.

“We’re investigating after a woman in her 20s was raped in Walsall in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack. We were called just after 7.15pm last night to concerns for the welfare of a woman in distress in the street. Officers established that she had been raped and assaulted at a nearby property by a man she did not know,” the police said in a press release.

They added, “She is now being supported by our officers following the attack, in the Park Hall area of Walsall. The attacker is described as white, in his 30s, with short hair, and was wearing dark clothing.”

The police have released the suspect's photo.

Det Supt Ronan Tyrer, who is supervising the probe, said, "This was an absolutely appalling attack on a young woman, and we are doing absolutely everything we can to arrest the person responsible. We have teams of officers recovering evidence and building a profile of the attacker so that he can be brought into custody as soon as possible. At this stage we are not linking this attack to any other offences.”

“Our focus is on supporting the investigators in identifying and arresting the attacker. Walsall is a diverse area, and we know the fear and concern that this awful attack will cause, in our communities. We have been speaking to people in the community today to listen to and understand their concerns, and there will be an increased policing presence in the coming days," Ch Supt Phil Dolby, of Walsall Police stated.

UK MPs react

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Zarah Sultana called such attacks as “horrifying”.

“On Saturday, a woman of Punjabi heritage was raped in a racist attack in Walsall. Last month, a Sikh woman was raped in a racist attack in Oldbury. These horrifying attacks show how racism and misogyny feed each other — fuelled by the rise of fascism and hate,” Sultana said.

He added, "As a woman of colour, I know how real and frightening this threat is. We must stand together — against racism, fascism and misogyny — and fight for a socialist society built on equality, justice and solidarity.

Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston Preet Kaur Gill stated, “Deeply shocked and saddened that we are hearing of yet another racially aggravated rape this time in Walsall.”