UK Charity Offers 20,000 Pounds Reward To Help Convict Sikh Woman's Rapists

UK Charity Crimestoppers Announces 20,000 Pounds Reward in Sikh Woman's Rape Case

"We are determined to find answers," police officials stated (Representational)

London:

Crimestoppers, the UK's crime-fighting charity, has put forward a reward of 20,000 pounds for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for the racially motivated rape of a Sikh woman in Oldbury, as announced by local police authorities on Friday.

West Midlands Police confirmed their investigation is "continuing at pace" following the assault on the woman in her twenties on Tame Road in Oldbury, Sandwell, last week. Community groups have expressed concern after authorities released on bail a man in his thirties who had been arrested on suspicion of rape without charging him.

"This attack has caused significant worry and concern among local residents," stated Alan Edwards, West Midlands Regional Manager at Crimestoppers.

"We are confident someone possesses relevant information, and we encourage them to come forward anonymously. The reward is offered to encourage anyone with information to speak up, regardless of how minor the detail may seem," he added.

Operating independently from police forces, Crimestoppers has made the 20,000 pounds reward available to anyone who provides information directly to the charity that results in the arrest and conviction of those behind the attack. The charity guarantees anonymity for all who come forward with information or leads.

"We are committed to finding answers, and with public assistance, we believe we can succeed. This young woman remains at the center of our inquiries, and we continue providing support while keeping her updated on developments," said Chief Superintendent Kim Madill from Sandwell Police.

"We again urge anyone who was in the area who may have observed two white men around 8:30am to contact us. One suspect had a shaved head with a heavy build and was reportedly wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and gloves. The second individual was described as wearing a grey top with a silver zip," she explained.

The officer noted that to date, specialist detectives have analyzed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, while forensic specialists have conducted extensive investigations.

Amid growing calls for information from organizations such as Sikh Federation UK, the officer reiterated that police are working closely with key partners and keeping them informed about the investigation's progress.

"While we are currently treating this as an isolated incident, I understand the fear and concern it has generated within our communities. Violence against women and girls remains a key priority for me and my teams in Sandwell," Madill stated.

"I want to reassure everyone that we are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice on behalf of this young woman. Our investigation will continue until the individuals responsible for this terrible attack face court proceedings," she emphasized.

Meanwhile, several local British Sikh organizations have joined forces on social media to offer an additional financial reward of 10,000 pounds for any footage that could lead to the conviction of the perpetrators behind the racially aggravated rape.

Previously, West Midlands Police reported that the rape victim, in her twenties, informed officers that a racist comment was directed at her during the September 9 attack. According to local reports, the two white male attackers told her "you don't belong in this country, get out".

The incident was subsequently raised in UK Parliament, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood leading condemnation of the attack.

"The horror of a sexual assault motivated by race or ethnicity is absolutely appalling. I am certain the entire House will join me in condemning such crimes in the strongest possible terms. This government will not tolerate any incitement to racial hatred or violence," she declared.