Signing of Hate Crime Pledge

"At Sandwell Council we take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, discrimination or hate.

"I know many of you will be shocked by the awful incident in Oldbury last week which the Police have been investigating as a racially-motivated attack. We stand against racism, misogyny and hate, and work closely with the Police and other partners as part of the Safer Sandwell Partnership to tackle violence against women and girls and hate crime.

"We want a borough where all women and girls can live safely, move freely, and thrive without fear. But we recognise that such violence is deep rooted and that tackling it is a shared responsibility.

"Our approach focuses on supporting and empowering survivors, holding perpetrators to account, and making sure we address the root causes to help prevent violence before it happens.

"We signed our Hate Crime Pledge in October 2023 as part of our commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive borough. This pledge reflects our collective stance that there is No Place for Hate in Sandwell.

"The Police have issued a number of appeals for information in relation to this attack as they continue their investigation. I urge anyone who knows more about what happened to get in touch with the Police.

"Together we can root out violence against women and girls and racism in our society."

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council

Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information - West Midlands Police

Published: Friday, 19th September 2025