Man arrested on suspicion of attempted rape of two women in Birmingham city centre

We’ve arrested a man on suspicion of the attempted rape of two women in Birmingham city centre who were attacked within minutes of each other today.

The first woman was attacked on Church Street, between Colmore Row and Edmund Street, at around 12.50am.

A member of the public helped the woman to safety, and the woman was able to call police.

At around 1am, a CCTV operator spotted another woman being attacked on nearby Newhall Street. He was disturbed by members of the public and fled.

Officers carried out an extensive search of the city centre, and a man aged 21, was arrested at around 2.40am on Priory Queensway.

He remains in custody this afternoon.

Our specialist officers are supporting both women.

Det Insp Matthew Owen, from our Public Protection Unit, said: "These were terrifying attacks on women who were just enjoying a night out in Birmingham city centre.

"Our specialist officers are trawling through CCTV, taking witness statements, and looking at evidence as we build a clearer picture of what happened.

"I would urge anyone who has any information, who was in the area at the time and saw anything they think may be relevant, to get in touch with us urgently.

"We’d also like to hear from motorists including taxi drivers who may have been in the area at the time and who saw anything or may have dashcam footage."

We know that women and girls are concerned about their safety, and we want to reassure you that we are working hard to make the streets safer.

We can’t, and won’t, tolerate violence against women and girls (VAWG) and we're continuing our work to combat appalling crimes.

This ranges from high visibility and plain-clothed officers on patrol to working work with a wide range of partners and support groups to address concerns and offer advice on safety and safe places.

Call 101, quoting log 126.