A man and a woman have been arrested by police investigating rapes in Halesowen and Oldbury
Oldbury rape appeal sign
A man and a woman arrested over the alleged rape of a woman in a Halesowen park have been further arrested over the reported rape of a young Sikh woman in Oldbury.
They are being questioned about both incidents.
West Midlands Police said the arrests follow a report of rape by a woman in her 30s who was in Hurst Green Park in Halesowen last night at around 7pm. A cordon is in place around the scene.
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Investigating officers subsequently also arrested the pair for questioning over the reported ‘racially-aggravated’ rape of a woman in parkland off Tame Road in Oldbury on September 9.
A 49-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman from Sandwell were arrested this morning.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Police had been seeking a breakthrough in their inquiries into the September 9 attack, which triggered widespread anxiety among local women and families.
Support for victims of sexual offences – where to get help
The Survivors Trust
The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK.
Their services work with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, you can call the free helpline on 08088 010 818.
Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP)
The Rape and Sexual Violence Project – covering Birmingham and Solihull – offers a wide range of services to both survivors and the people supporting you, including compassionate support for male survivors and children and young people.
You can contact the RSVP for free support via their helpline 0121 643 4136 or info@rsvporg.co.uk.
West Midlands Police
If you wish to report a sexual offence, no matter when it took place, you can find out more information here.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
A massive police hunt was launched, with murder detectives drafted in to help comb the area for forensic evidence. CCTV and doorbell footage from nearby homes and buildings has been captured from around the time of the incident.
Police also increased patrols in the area to reassure the terrified families. A community vigil was organised by women’s groups. More than 200 people joined the Unity vigil to condemn racism and attacks on women.
The gathering in Oldbury, organised by a collective of anti-racist and women’s organisations, drew people from a range of backgrounds and faiths who united to condemn violence against women.
Two rewards were offered for a combined £30,000 for information securing a conviction.
The full police statement reads: “Two people have been arrested as part of our investigation into a rape in Halesowen last night (October 16)).
“We were called at around 7pm after a woman in her 30s reported she had been attacked in Hurst Green Park.
“This incident is not being treated as racially aggravated.
“A 49-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman from Sandwell were arrested this morning on suspicion of rape.
“A cordon is in place in the park while we carry out enquiries.
“The man and woman have this afternoon subsequently been arrested in connection with a rape on Tame Road, Oldbury on Tuesday, September 9. They remain in custody for questioning.”