Sutton rape investigation 'continuing at full speed'

West Midlands Police say their search for a rapist in Sutton Coldfield is 'continuing at full speed.'

The woman was attacked at the Princess Alice park on Sunday (3rd October) night. She was taken to hospital for treatment with specialist charities said to be on standby to help her. Officers gave a later time of the attack based on the information they say they received at the time, but it's now thought to have happened between 8-9pm.

The description police have given of the attacker is;

• A white man aged 20-35
• Medium to stocky build and "extra broad" around the shoulders
• Birmingham accent
• Wearing grey tracksuit and black trainers

After speaking to people in the area, police think the man they're looking for had been seen in the park 'in days and possibly weeks leading up to the attack.' Anyone who lives, works, or travels near to the park is being asked by officers to check CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage, and to get in touch with anything that could help the investigation.

Chief Inspector Wayne Carter says; “We’re working at full speed to find this man. We’ve carried out fingertip searches of the park, reviewed hours of CCTV, spoken to the survivor and people in the area and we’ve got evidence being analysed by forensic experts. We’ve also checked whether there have been reports of similar attacks. At this time, we don’t believe there have been but we won’t rule anything out.

“The survivor is now at home after hospital treatment. This is a really tough time for her and her loved ones.

“I’ve dedicated more officers to patrol the area and park until this man is arrested. This will include officers in plain clothes. I want women to feel safe and be safe. I want male violence against women to end.”