Woman raped outside shopping centre before second victim injured in ‘linked’ attack

A woman was raped outside a shopping centre and another was attacked and left with serious facial injuries.

The attacks happened in Perry Bar, north Birmingham, at 1.50am.

A large cordon was put in place around the railway station and parts of Walsall Road were sealed off.

Detectives are working to establish if the two attacks are linked.

West Midlands Police said: ‘Officers are investigating a rape in Perry Barr in the early hours of this morning. We were called at 1.50am 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.

‘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 and if you have any concerns please come and talk to us.

‘We continue to support the women and our enquiries are ongoing.’

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