A Labour MP has said people are “worried” to see an increase in hate crimes “especially against the Sikh community” following a police appeal for witnesses after a “racially aggravated” rape in Oldbury.
Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said lots of people in her constituency from ethnic minority backgrounds are now asking her where “it is still safe” to walk the streets.
It comes after West Midlands Police issued a fresh appeal for information after a woman in her 20s reported being attacked by two men in Oldbury on 9 September.
A man in his 30s who had been arrested on suspicion of rape has been released on bail pending inquiries.
Detectives say they are looking for two white men. One is described as having a shaved head, of heavy build, and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and gloves.
The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.
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“Somebody must have seen something in the local area,” said Ms Gill.
“I am really, really worried,” the MP said. “I don’t want to have to look back over my shoulder.”
Ms Gill said she has been “shocked” that constituents who have lived in the country for several decades have told her that “for the first time ever” they have been “racially, or verbally attacked”.
She said while she believes some people now feel “emboldened” to be racially or verbally abusive, she added: “Nobody would have expected it would get to this extent.”
Jas Singh, a representative of the Sikh Federation UK, the organisation supporting the victim, said the fact no one has yet been charged has raised “serious concern” in the community.
He said safety has been a worry for “every Sikh I speak to” in recent days, but added the community has galvanised to offer their solidarity and practical support.
The Sikh Federation said last week the perpetrators allegedly told the victim during the attack: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
It has now put up a £10,000 reward for anyone who has any information which may lead to a conviction.
“Her being a Sikh, she is one of the family, and we have an inherent duty to help,” said Mr Singh.
“We have come together to show an outpouring of strength.”
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Chief Superintendent Kim Madill acknowledged the “racially aggravated attack” has caused “fear and concern” for the community, and says the police are “treating it with the utmost seriousness”.
She urged people to come forward if they have any information about the incident which happened at around 8.30am last Tuesday.
“This is a key time for people going to work or school and we need your help if you saw anything that may assist our enquiries,” she said.
