An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman at a gym in Solihull, West Midlands Police has confirmed. The incident took place at The Gym Group in Shirley on Tuesday, September 15, and the suspect has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police confirm rape investigation
West Midlands Police initially told BirminghamLive that the 18-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence. The force later confirmed the incident was being investigated as a rape.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We received a report of a sexual offence at a premises on Stratford Road, Shirley, on September 15. Officers arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of a sexual offence. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries into the investigation."
The force added: "This is being investigated as a rape."
Gym changing room closed after incident
The Gym Group, based at Parkgate Shopping Centre, sent an email to customers informing them that the female changing room, including showers and toilets, was unavailable following an "incident". The accessible facilities remained available for use.
The email read: "Just a quick heads-up that the female changing room, including the showers and toilets, at The Gym Group Shirley is currently unavailable following an incident. The accessible facilities are still available to use. We're sorry for the inconvenience and will let you know as soon as the changing room is open again."
Gym declines comment as investigation continues
The Gym Group said it would not comment on the ongoing police investigation. A spokesperson said: "There was an incident at our Shirley gym on September 15. We cannot comment on an ongoing police investigation."
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics were not called to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspect has been released on bail while police continue their enquiries.
