A Sikh woman who was raped in a “racially aggravated attack” in the West Midlands says she “would never wish this on anyone”.
Police were called just before 8.30am on Tuesday after the woman, who is in her 20s, reported being attacked by two white men in the area around Tame Road in Oldbury.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators allegedly told the woman during the attack: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
The woman, who is entitled to anonymity as the victim of a sex offence, issued a statement through community group Sikh Youth UK.
Thanking everyone for their support, she said: “We are going through a lot, but the strength and kindness shown by the right people in the community has been incredible and I can’t thank them enough for being my voice.
“I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us.”
Calling her family her “rock,” she went on: “The police are doing their best to find those responsible, and I truly hope they are caught so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
She said she was “truly humbled” by the love and support she’d received.
She added: “I want to personally thank my family, Sikh Youth UK, who have been so supportive, the local Gurdwara committees and Sikh orgs, and everyone in my community who has stood by me. I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through this difficult time.”
An emergency meeting was later held at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple in Smethwick, a few miles from Oldbury, following concerns within the community.
Police are still trying to identify the perpetrators of the attack, which they say is being treated as “racially aggravated”.
Officers said CCTV, forensic and other enquiries are well underway, but have appealed for anyone in the area who may have seen the men, or have any further information, to contact the force.
One of the men is described as having a shaved head, of heavy build, and was reported to be wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and gloves.
The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.