Sandwell pair arrested over rape of Sikh woman in Oldbury

A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the rape of a Sikh woman, an attack that police previously described as racially motivated.

The assault on the woman in her 20s in Oldbury, in the West Midlands, sparked protests and vigils last month.

The suspects, a 49-year-old man and a woman, 65, remain in custody for questioning.

They were originally arrested on Friday morning on suspicion of rape over a separate incident in Halesowen on Thursday night – one which police said was not racially aggravated.

West Midlands Police said officers were called at about 19:00 BST after a woman in her 30s reported being attacked in Hurst Green Park, adding that a cordon remained in place.

However, the force said after arresting the pair over that incident, they were subsequently arrested in connection with the attack on Tame Road, in Oldbury, on 9 September and would face questioning.

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

In a statement, the Sikh Federation UK said it welcomed the arrests, but questioned the time taken since the Oldbury attack.

Inderjit Kaur, from the organisation, said she hoped there would be enough evidence to bring charges against whoever was responsible for the “disgusting attacks”.

Last month, 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.