A Sikh woman in her 20s was raped in Oldbury, UK, in an attack that police are treating as racially aggravated. The incident took place just before 8.30am on Tuesday, September 9, in an area off Tame Road, when two men assaulted the victim in broad daylight and allegedly told her: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
West Midlands Police said officers were called shortly after the incident was reported and that CCTV, forensic and other inquiries were under way. “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other inquiries well under way,” said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, as quoted by the BBC “We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible.”
The first suspect has been described as a white man with a shaved head, of heavy build, wearing a dark-coloured sweatshirt and gloves. The second man was also white and was seen in a grey top with a silver zip. Officers have appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage from the area to contact them urgently.
“This was a horrific attack. We are appealing to anyone who saw two men in the area or has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact us urgently,” West Midlands Police said in a statement, as quoted by India Today.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the assault had taken place “in broad daylight on a busy road.” Dabinderjit Singh, the organisation’s lead executive for political engagement, said Sikh Youth UK was supporting the victim and her family.
I’ve had trouble sleeping since @SikhYouthUk brought this tragic case to attention of @SikhFedUK
— Dabinderjit Singh (@Dabinderjit) September 13, 2025
We should all reflect on how the victim & her family are coping.
In last 24-48 hours I have talked to many in the media & there has been universal support for the victim 🙏 https://t.co/XTw2iFjKxf
He added: “Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks. The current racist political environment is driven by populism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views. More than 48 hours later we await the public condemnation by politicians on all sides of this brutal racist and sexual attack where a young Sikh woman has been viciously beaten and raped.”
Local MPs also expressed concern. Gurinder Singh Josan, Labour MP for Smethwick, wrote on X: “This is a truly horrific attack and my thoughts are with the victim. I have now spoken with the Borough Commander Chief Supt Kim Madill and am reassured Sandwell Police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators. The incidence is being treated as a hate crime. The police are working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised by the attack. We are grateful for all the CCTV and information that has already been forthcoming from the community.”
Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill also condemned the incident, calling it “an act of extreme violence and racism”. In her post on X, she said: “She does belong here. Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury or anywhere in Britain.”
Police have stepped up patrols in the area, while the victim continues to receive specialist support as investigations proceed.
