West Midlands Police have arrested a man in his 30s in connection with what officers are treating as a racially motivated rape that took place near Tame Road in Oldbury earlier this week, the force said Sunday.
The alleged victim, a woman in her 20s, reported being attacked by two men on Tuesday morning. A man was detained on Sunday evening and remains in police custody as detectives continue their enquiries, the force said.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill described the arrest as "a significant development in the investigation" and thanked the community for its support. She urged people not to speculate while officers work to identify and trace anyone who may have been involved.
Police said the alleged victim is receiving support while the investigation continues. West Midlands Police previously appealed for anyone who may have seen the two men in the area on Tuesday morning to come forward and assist detectives.
The arrest came hours after members of the Sikh community gathered in Oldbury to protest the incident. The alleged victim, who has the right to anonymity, released a public statement through the Sikh Federation (UK) on Sunday, the federation said.
Detectives have not provided further details about the suspect’s identity, any potential motive beyond the force’s comment that the attack is being treated as racially motivated, or whether any additional suspects have been identified. Officers have reiterated an appeal for witnesses and urged anyone with information or dashcam or CCTV footage from the Tame Road area on Tuesday morning to contact the investigation team.
Criminal investigations of this nature often involve forensic examinations, witness statements and a careful process to determine the circumstances and any aggravating factors such as alleged racial motivation. West Midlands Police said the investigation is ongoing and further updates would be provided when appropriate.
Local community leaders and organisations have called for calm and for people to allow the police to carry out their enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police quoting the incident reference noted in the force’s appeals, or to report information anonymously through Crimestoppers.