Man Arrested Following Two Terrifying Attempted Rape Attacks in Birmingham City Centre
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape after two women were attacked within ten minutes in Birmingham city centre during the early hours of Friday, March 27. The incidents occurred on some of the busiest streets in the city centre, prompting a major police response and an urgent appeal for witnesses.
Details of the Two Separate Attacks
The first attack took place at approximately 12:50 am on Church Street, located between Colmore Row and Edmund Street. According to West Midlands Police, a member of the public intervened to help the woman and brought her to safety, enabling her to contact the authorities.
Just ten minutes later, at around 1:00 am, a CCTV operator observed another woman being assaulted on nearby Newhall Street, close to the Jewellery Quarter. The suspect was disturbed by members of the public during this second incident and fled the scene before officers arrived.
Police Response and Arrest
Following an extensive search of the city centre, police arrested a 21-year-old man at approximately 2:40 am on Priory Queensway. He was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted rape in connection with both attacks and remained in police custody throughout the afternoon.
Detective Inspector Matthew Owen of West Midlands Police described the incidents as "terrifying attacks on women who were just enjoying a night out in Birmingham city centre." He emphasized that specialist officers are actively investigating by:
- Trawling through CCTV footage from the area
- Collecting witness statements
- Examining all available evidence to build a clearer picture of what occurred
Appeal for Information and Public Assistance
Police have issued an urgent appeal for anyone with information about the attacks to come forward. Detective Inspector Owen specifically requested:
- Anyone who was in the Church Street or Newhall Street areas between 12:45 am and 1:15 am on Friday morning
- Motorists, including taxi drivers, who may have dashcam footage from the vicinity during that timeframe
- Any witnesses who saw anything suspicious or relevant to the investigation
A police spokesperson added: "We know that women and girls are concerned about their safety, and we want to reassure you that we are working hard to make the streets safer. We can't, and won't, tolerate violence against women and girls (VAWG) and we're continuing our work to combat appalling crimes."
Both women are receiving support from specialist police officers. Anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 and quoting log number 126.
