Man charged with rape of woman in Walsall after ‘racially aggravated’ attack, say police

A man has been charged with rape after an alleged attack police have said they are treating as racially aggravated. Officers are investigating an attack on a woman in her 20s in Walsall, in the West Midlands, on Saturday evening. West Midlands police said: “John Ashby, who is a white British man aged 32 from Stockland Green (Birmingham), has been charged this evening with rape and remanded to appear before Birmingham magistrates court tomorrow. “He was also charged with sexual assault, strangulation, racially aggravated actual bodily harm and robbery. It follows the rape of a woman in her 20s who was attacked in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night.” The suspect was arrested just before 7am on Monday in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham. Police are trying to reassure communities after the attack. Ch Supt Phil Dolby, of Walsall police, said: “We know the fear and concern this attack has caused in our communities. We continue to speak to people in the community to listen to and understand their concerns. “Officers have visited faith establishments in Walsall and spoken with local leaders about women’s safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable. “We need to continue to maintain those conversations and how we build on women’s safety in the community.” Det Supt Ronan Tyrer, from the force’s public protection unit, said: “The woman who was the subject of the attack has been informed of the charging decision this evening. She is continuing to be supported by our specially trained officers.”