Police given more time to question pair over Oldbury and Halesowen rapes

Police have been given more time to question a man and woman, arrested in connection with the rape of a Sikh woman, an attack that the force previously described as racially motivated.

Protests and vigils were sparked after the attack on the woman, aged in her 20s, in September in Oldbury in the West Midlands.

The 49-year-old man and 65-year-old woman were also arrested in connection with a rape in Halesowen on Thursday, which police said was not racially aggravated.

Both of the suspects are from Sandwell, West Midlands Police previously said.

The force added that both victims were “at the heart” of its enquiries as specialist officers supported them.

The force said on Friday that officers were called at about 19:00 BST after a woman in her 30s reported being attacked in Hurst Green Park.

The force said, after arresting the pair over that assault, they were subsequently arrested in connection with the attack on Tame Road, in Oldbury, on 9 September.

In September, members of the Sikh community gathered in protest and later held a vigil to show their support for the victim and discuss violence against women.

Preet Gill, Birmingham Edgbaston MP raised concerns about an increase in hate crimes, while Crimestoppers put up a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

The victim’s family said they would only be able to rebuild their lives after those who attacked the woman were caught.