LONDON — British police have launched an urgent manhunt after a racially aggravated rape of an Indian-origin Punjabi woman in her 20s in Walsall, northern England. Authorities say they are treating the incident as a hate-motivated sexual assault and have released CCTV footage of the suspect in an appeal for public assistance.
According to West Midlands Police, officers were called to the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday evening after reports of a distressed woman found in the street. Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer, who is leading the investigation, described the crime as “an absolutely appalling attack on a young woman.”
“We have teams of officers recovering evidence and building a profile of the attacker so that he can be brought into custody as soon as possible,” Tyrer said. “It’s vital that we hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area at the time. Dashcam or CCTV footage could be the breakthrough we need.”
The attacker is described as white, in his 30s, with short hair, and was reportedly wearing dark clothing during the assault.
While the police have not released further identifying details about the victim, Sikh Federation UK, citing local community sources, confirmed that the woman is of Punjabi heritage. The group expressed deep concern, noting that this is the second racially motivated rape of a young South Asian woman in the West Midlands in the past two months.
“The attacker apparently broke down the door of the house where she was living,” the Sikh Federation said in a statement, adding that the West Midlands Police “urgently need to find those responsible” for both incidents.
Police have clarified that, at this stage, the Walsall attack is not being linked to the earlier assault on a British Sikh woman in Oldbury, though investigations in both cases are ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby of Walsall Police said his team is working closely with investigators while also addressing community concerns. “Walsall is a diverse area, and we understand the fear this horrific crime will cause,” he said. “We’re listening to residents, increasing patrols, and ensuring people feel safe.”
Specialist officers from the Public Protection Unit, along with forensic teams, are continuing to gather CCTV evidence, interview witnesses, and trace the suspect.
The West Midlands Police have urged anyone with information or footage from the area to come forward immediately.