Police Investigate Disturbing Incidents in Perry Barr: rape and Assault Reported
Authorities in Birmingham have launched a thorough inquiry following two alarming incidents in the Perry Barr area. Early on Saturday morning, a woman was reportedly raped near a shopping center, while another woman sustained severe facial injuries in a separate attack nearby.
Credit: BPM
The first incident occurred around 1:50 AM on January 18, 2025, near Walsall Road. Police were alerted to a rape case and quickly cordoned off the area. Shortly after,another report came in from Aldridge Road,where a woman was found with serious facial injuries. Investigators are now working to determine if the two incidents are connected.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said, “Officers are investigating a rape in Perry barr in the early hours of this morning. We were called at 1.50 AM and sealed off parts of Walsall Road. We have also received a report of an assault after a woman sustained facial injuries on Aldridge Road. We are working to understand if the two incidents are linked.”
The police have assured the local community that additional officers will be deployed in the area to provide reassurance. “We understand the concern and worry that this will cause the local community. You will see more officers in the area today and into this evening to provide reassurance. If you have any concerns, please come and talk to us,” the statement continued.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. “We continue to support the women, and our enquiries are ongoing. We would urge anyone with information to contact us via live chat or by calling 101, quoting log 218 and 520 of 18/1,” the statement concluded.
The incidents have left the Perry Barr community shaken, with residents expressing their concerns over safety in the area. Police presence has been increased to ensure public safety and to gather any potential leads that could aid the investigation.
What specific actions are being taken to identify and apprehend teh perpetrators of these incidents?
Interview with Detective Inspector Sarah Clarke
Lead Investigator on the Perry barr Incidents
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us, Detective inspector Clarke. These recent incidents in Perry Barr have left the community deeply unsettled.Can you provide us with an update on the investigation?
Detective Inspector Clarke: thank you for having me. First and foremost, I want to assure the public that we are treating these incidents with the utmost urgency and seriousness. Our team has been working around the clock to gather evidence and piece together what happened. We have increased police patrols in the area and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Archyde News: What can you share about the nature of these two incidents?
Detective Inspector Clarke: The first incident occurred early on saturday morning near a local shopping center,where a woman reported being raped. The second incident,which took place not far from the first,involved another woman who suffered severe facial injuries in what appears to be a violent assault.Both victims are currently receiving medical care and support from our specialist teams. At this stage, we do not believe the incidents are directly linked, but we are keeping all possibilities open as the investigation progresses.
archyde News: What steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the community?
Detective Inspector Clarke: Public safety is our top priority. We’ve deployed additional officers to the area, including plainclothes officers, to monitor activity and provide reassurance to residents. We’re also working closely with local community groups and businesses to gather any CCTV footage or eyewitness accounts that might help us identify the perpetrators. We’ve set up a dedicated hotline for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area over the weekend.
Archyde News: What message do you have for the public?
Detective inspector Clarke: I want to stress that any information,no matter how small it may seem,could be crucial to this investigation. If you were in the vicinity of the shopping center or the surrounding area on Saturday morning, please contact us immediately. Additionally,I urge everyone to remain vigilant,travel in groups where possible,and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Archyde News: what support is being provided to the victims and their families?
Detective Inspector clarke: Both victims are being supported by our dedicated victim care teams, which includes access to medical care, counseling, and legal advice. We are also liaising with their families to ensure they have the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.
Archyde News: Thank you, Detective Inspector Clarke, for your time and for the work you and your team are doing. We’ll keep the public updated as more information becomes available.
Detective Inspector Clarke: Thank you. We’re committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of our community.
For anyone with information related to these incidents,please contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
