West Midlands Police have issued a renewed appeal to the public in their ongoing investigation into the rape of a young Sikh woman in Oldbury, an incident that has deeply impacted the community nearly twelve months ago.
The serious case, which has seen extensive police work including thousands of hours of investigation and a thorough forensic examination, unfortunately remains unsolved.
Around 8:15am on 9 September last year, a woman in her twenties was attacked as she made her way to work through overgrown wasteland near a children’s play park on Tame Road, Oldbury. The victim, who is of Sikh faith, reported that two men assaulted her during this distressing incident.
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West Midlands Police have confirmed that no new leads or suspects have emerged. Three individuals remain on bail, including one man arrested eleven months prior.
The attack sparked significant community outrage, with concerns raised about policing standards, vigils held in support of the victim, debates in Parliament, and a £30,000 reward offered. The case also attracted widespread national attention.
The victim described her attackers as two white men: one of a heavy build with a shaved head, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves; the other wearing a grey top with a silver zip. Disturbingly, one of the attackers used a racist remark, telling the victim she ‘did not belong here.’
Following the report, police launched a major operation treating the investigation as a priority. This has included forensic analysis of the scene and victim, fingertip searches of the area, repeated door-to-door inquiries, and an exhaustive review of hundreds of hours of CCTV and doorbell footage.
Enhanced local patrols have been implemented, alongside engagement with local faith and women’s community groups, to offer reassurance and support.
While all investigation avenues have been rigorously explored - including alternative scenarios to verify the original report - officers have found no reason to doubt the victim’s account or the trauma she endured.
Chief Superintendent Madill emphasised: “We remain absolutely determined to catch those responsible. We still believe someone out there has information that will close this case. But for now we have no suspects.”
The complexity and sensitivity of the case are well recognised, with the victim suffering profound trauma as a result of the attack.
Three individuals have been questioned-one man in his 30s arrested early in the case and two others, a 49-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman, interviewed due to their connection with an unrelated assault nearby.
The investigation portal remains active, and police urge anyone with information, however minor it may seem, to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting log 798 dated 9 September 2025.
Support is available for victims of sexual violence. Those affected can contact Rape Crisis, offering free, specialist assistance. Their national 24/7 Support Line is accessible to provide confidential help at any time.
This ongoing investigation underscores the community’s need for justice and the police’s dedication to resolving this distressing case.