Alleged rape of Sikh woman being treated as hate crime

Police investigating the alleged rape of a Sikh woman in the West Midlands say they are treating it as a hate crime.

- Vikram Dodd

Detectives are hunting for two white male suspects alleged to have racially abused the woman during the assault in broad daylight. Police say they believe one suspect had a shaved head and wore gloves.

West Midlands police launched a major investigation and manhunt after the incident in Oldbury was reported on Tuesday morning.

The woman who was attacked is in her 20s. Police and Sikh community groups said they were supporting her and her family.

There has been a rise in racial tension across the UK and heated debate over immigration and asylum.

Police said the incident took place just before 8.30am on Tuesday around Tame Road in Oldbury, close to Birmingham.

The attack has caused fear and anger among local Sikhs. One Sikh group criticised national politicians who have been vocal about asylum issues for their lack of "public condemnation" of the Oldbury attack.