Detectives in the West Midlands have launched an urgent appeal for information following two sexual assaults in the same area of a town, which occurred within days of each other. The first incident took place on Monday, 13 March, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, when a woman in her 20s was assaulted in a wooded area near Bloxwich Lane, Walsall. The second attack happened on Thursday, 16 March, at around 9.30pm, when a woman in her 30s was assaulted in a nearby alleyway off Bloxwich Lane.
Police Link Attacks and Appeal for Witnesses
West Midlands Police have confirmed they are linking the two incidents due to their close proximity and similar nature. Detective Inspector Jim Edmonds, from the force's Public Protection Unit, said: “These are two very serious incidents and we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible. We understand the concern this will cause in the local community, and we have extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance.”
The first victim was walking along Bloxwich Lane when she was grabbed and dragged into a wooded area. She managed to escape and raise the alarm. The second victim was walking along an alleyway off the same road when she was attacked from behind. She also managed to get away and contact police. Both women are receiving support from specialist officers.
Suspect Description and Public Appeal
Police have released a description of the suspect, who is believed to be a white male, aged between 20 and 30, of slim build, with short brown hair. He was wearing a dark hooded top and dark tracksuit bottoms at the time of the first attack. In the second incident, he was described as wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.
Detective Inspector Edmonds added: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the Bloxwich Lane area on either of these evenings and saw anything suspicious, or anyone who has dashcam or mobile phone footage that might help our investigation, to get in touch.”
Community Reassurance and Increased Patrols
Local councillors have expressed their shock and urged residents to remain vigilant. Councillor Gary Perry, who represents the Bloxwich West ward, said: “This is deeply concerning for our community. We are working closely with the police to ensure that the area is safe and that the perpetrator is caught as soon as possible.”
West Midlands Police have increased patrols in the area and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries. They are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses and homes. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or through the force's website, quoting crime reference numbers 20/192757/23 and 20/196851/23. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
