'We need to rebuild our lives': Family of Oldbury rape victim issue heart-breaking statement one month on from attack
One month on from the racially aggravated attack and rape of a woman in Oldbury, the victim's family say they are still struggling to rebuild their lives.
The British-born Sikh woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted, raped and brutally beaten in a horrific attack on Tuesday, September 9, morning In Oldbury, Sandwell shortly before 8.30am.
During the attack, the perpetrators shouted at her: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
In a statement issued through the Sikh Federation UK, the family of the woman described her ordeal as horrific and thanked community organisations for their support.
“No one should have to go through this horrific ordeal," they began. “Cases of racially aggravated rape are rare, but should never be swept under the carpet.
“The Sikh community organisations that have been directly supporting us have been amazing and are keeping up the pressure on the police and others to do their job.
“We need to rebuild our lives and stay strong as a family. This will only be possible when we know the perpetrators are behind bars.”
The Sikh community has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to charges and convictions, while the Crimestoppers charity has put up a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the rape of the woman.
Crimestoppers said the victim, a woman in her 20s, was attacked in the Tame Road area, close to the M5, shortly before 8.30am on Tuesday September 9.
West Midlands Police said the inquiry into the attack is ongoing and appealed for members of the public who have not yet spoken to officers to come forward with information.
Officers are seeking information from anyone who may have seen two white men in the area. One had a shaved head, was of heavy build, and was reported to be wearing a dark sweatshirt and had gloves on.
The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.
