By Kelly Ashmore
Copyright birminghammail
The hunt for a second ‘racially-motivated’ rape suspect continues after police made a ‘significant development’ in the investigation. A man in his 30s was arrested following an alleged assault in Tame Road, Oldbury, on Tuesday, September 9. He was detained on Sunday evening (September 14), and has been quizzed on suspicion of rape. The female victim was ‘continuing to receive support’, police said. READ MORE: Hospital says ‘be vigilant’ as man ‘known to police’ may ‘pretend he’s staff’ Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, of Sandwell Police, said: “This is a significant development in the investigation and we want to thank the community for their continuing support. “The investigation remains ongoing and we would urge people not to speculate as we work to identify and trace all those who may have been involved.” “We would remind everyone that legal proceedings are now active and we’d stress the importance of allowing the judicial process to follow its course.” Smethwick MP Gurinder Singh Josan, shared the investigation update with his X followers on Sunday evening (September 14). Mr Josan said his ‘thoughts and prayers’ were with the victim of the ‘truly horrific attack’, adding: “The police state it is important to maintain the anonymity of the victim and to allow the police investigation and for justice to take its course. “The West Midlands Police Chief Constable has ensured all required resources are available to the investigation and specialist support has been brought in from other forces. “The investigation is ongoing and a second suspect is still being sought. “I am grateful to all those who have reached out and particularly those in the local area who have been forthcoming with CCTV footage and other information to the police.” The Labour MP continued: “I understand the strength of feeling within the community this attack has generated. “The community needs to allow the police to progress the investigation. “The victim will have been traumatised in this attack and her needs must be paramount for al of us. “I will remain in close contact with the police over the coming days. “Whilst I share the strength of feeling within the Sikh community over this case, I do ask all to remember that violence against women and girls occurs too often in out community. “We should be prepared to speak out against all such cases. “In doing so we should be mindful of maintaining community cohesion across all members of our community.” Anyone with information that could assist the police investigation has been urged to call 101, quoting log 798 of September 9. An online portal has also been set up to allow people to pass on information.
