The West Midlands Police are investigating two serious incidents that occurred in the early hours of Saturday near a shopping centre in Perry Barr, Birmingham. The first incident, reported at approximately 1:50 am, involved the rape of a woman on Walsall Road near the One Stop Shopping Centre. Shortly thereafter, a second report was received concerning the sexual assault of another woman on Aldridge Road, close to Holford Drive. While the police are currently treating the incidents as separate, they are keeping an open mind regarding a potential link between the two attacks.
In their efforts to gather information, the police have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries. The man in the images is described as having a beard and short dark hair. He is seen wearing a dark hoodie with the hood up. Detectives are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or who may have seen him in the area between 1 am and 2 am to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have dash-cam footage from the area during that time.
Detective Superintendent Adam Jobson, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, emphasized the importance of public cooperation in this investigation. He stated, “If you recognize this person or if you were in the area between 1am and 2am and remember seeing him, please get in touch.” He also acknowledged the community’s concern and assured residents that the police are working diligently to identify and apprehend the individual responsible.
The police presence in the area has been increased to provide reassurance to the community. Officers are patrolling the Walsall Road and Aldridge Road areas, and they encourage anyone with concerns to approach them and share any information they may have. The police are committed to ensuring the safety of the community and are pursuing all available leads to bring the perpetrator to justice.
This investigation highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. By working together, the police and the community can create a safer environment for everyone. The police are relying on the public’s assistance to identify the man in the CCTV images and to provide any information that may be relevant to the investigation. No detail is too small, and even seemingly insignificant observations can prove crucial in solving these types of cases.
The police urge anyone with information to contact them immediately via live chat or by calling 101, quoting log numbers 218 and 520 of 18/1. The information provided by the public can play a vital role in bringing the perpetrator to justice and preventing further incidents of this nature. The police are committed to thoroughly investigating these attacks and ensuring the safety and security of the Perry Barr community.
