Two Arrests Made in Connection with Rapes in Halesowen and Oldbury

Investigations into a reported rape in a Halesowen park and another in Oldbury have led to the arrest of a 49-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman from Sandwell. The pair are being questioned about both incidents, which have sparked widespread anxiety among local women and families. A massive police hunt was launched, with murder detectives drafted in to help comb the area for forensic evidence, and CCTV and doorbell footage were captured from nearby homes and buildings.

Key Takeaways:

• A 49-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman from Sandwell were arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with an incident in Hurst Green Park, Halesowen on October 16.
• The pair are also being questioned about a reported rape on Tame Road, Oldbury on September 9, which is being treated as a racially aggravated incident.
• A massive police hunt was launched, with murder detectives drafted in to help comb the area for forensic evidence.
• Over 200 people attended a community vigil in Oldbury to condemn racism and attacks on women.
• Two rewards worth a combined £30,000 were offered for information securing a conviction.
• A cordon was put in place in the park while police carried out inquiries.
• The investigation into the September 9 attack had been ongoing for several weeks before the arrests were made.
• A collective of anti-racist and women's organisations organised the Unity vigil, which drew people from a range of backgrounds and faiths.

Statistics:

• £30,000: The combined value of the two rewards offered for information securing a conviction.
• 200+: The number of people who attended the community vigil in Oldbury.
• 2: The number of arrests made in connection with the rapes.
• 1: The number of incidents being investigated and treated as racially aggravated.
• October 16: The date of the reported rape in Halesowen.
• September 9: The date of the reported rape in Oldbury.

Sources:

• West Midlands Police: "Two people have been arrested as part of our investigation into a rape in Halesowen on October 16."
• "A community vigil was organised by women's groups and more than 200 people joined the Unity vigil to condemn racism and attacks on women."