CCTV Appeal After Hijab Pulled Off in Birmingham Carjacking Attempt
West Midlands Police have issued a public appeal for information following a violent carjacking attempt in Birmingham, where a woman had her hijab forcibly pulled off during the attack. The incident occurred near Gravelly Hill railway station in Erdington, prompting the release of CCTV footage showing two men officers wish to speak to in connection with the crime.
Details of the Terrifying Ordeal
The attack took place at approximately 6:30 PM on Monday, March 9, on Hunton Hill in the Erdington area. The victim, a woman who was with her elderly father in his 70s, was loading her car to attend Taraweeh prayers at a mosque when she was approached by three white men.
According to police reports, one of the attackers grabbed the woman from behind, pulling off her hijab and dragging her to the ground. The assailants then attempted to steal her car, but her father intervened, leading the group to flee on foot. The woman later shared her experience online, describing how screaming caused the attackers to run away, leaving both her and her father traumatized and shocked by the event.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
West Midlands Police have confirmed they are actively investigating the robbery and have released CCTV images of two suspects. Inspector Hayley Thompson from Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Police stated, "This was a terrifying ordeal for the woman and her father, and our investigation into what happened is progressing at pace." Extra officers have been deployed to the area to support the victim and continue enquiries.
A police spokesperson added, "We are appealing for the public's help after a woman was attacked as she loaded up her car in Birmingham last night. We are carrying out a number of enquiries and are now in a position where we can release this footage as we try to identify and arrest those responsible."
Description of the Suspects
The CCTV footage reveals two white men:
- First suspect: Clean-shaven, wearing a black cap, black coat, black trousers, and brown shoes.
- Second suspect: Wearing a red hooded top with the hood up and two white stripes down the sides, paired with royal blue trousers and white trainers.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them via 101 or Live Chat, quoting reference number 20/173393/26.
