A Labour MP has stated persons are “worried” to see a rise in hate crimes “especially against the Sikh community” following a police attraction for witnesses after a “racially aggravated” rape in Oldbury.
Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, stated a lot of folks in her constituency from ethnic minority backgrounds are actually asking her the place “it is still safe” to stroll the streets.
It comes after West Midlands Police issued a contemporary attraction for info after a lady in her 20s reported being attacked by two males in Oldbury on 9 September.
Rewards totalling as much as £30,000 have been supplied by Crimestoppers and the Sikh group for info resulting in conviction of these accountable.
A person in his 30s who had been arrested on suspicion of rape has been launched on bail pending inquiries.
Detectives say they’re in search of two white males. One is described as having a shaved head, of heavy construct, and was reported to be sporting a darkish colored sweatshirt and gloves.
The second man was reportedly sporting a gray high with a silver zip.
“Somebody must have seen something in the local area,” stated Ms Gill.
“I am really, really worried,” the MP stated. “I don’t want to have to look back over my shoulder.”
Ms Gill stated she has been “shocked” that constituents who’ve lived within the nation for a number of many years have instructed her that “for the first time ever” they’ve been “racially, or verbally attacked”.
She stated whereas she believes some folks now really feel “emboldened” to be racially or verbally abusive, she added: “Nobody would have expected it would get to this extent.”
Jas Singh, a consultant of the Sikh Federation UK, the organisation supporting the sufferer, stated the actual fact nobody has but been charged has raised “serious concern” locally.
He stated security has been a fear for “every Sikh I speak to” in current days, however added the group has galvanised to supply their solidarity and sensible assist.
The Sikh Federation stated final week the perpetrators allegedly instructed the sufferer through the assault: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
It has now put up a £10,000 reward for anybody who has any info which can result in a conviction.
A reward of as much as £20,000 is on the market solely for info handed on to Crimestoppers.
“Her being a Sikh, she is one of the family, and we have an inherent duty to help,” stated Mr Singh.
“We have come together to show an outpouring of strength.”
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill acknowledged the “racially aggravated attack” has prompted “fear and concern” for the group, and says the police are “treating it with the utmost seriousness”.
She urged folks to come back ahead if they’ve any details about the incident which occurred at round 8.30am final 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 stated.
