POLICE have launched a search after a woman was sexually assaulted at knife-point in a Solihull park.
A 26-year-old woman was attacked and threatened at Babbs Mill park, Kingshurst, Solihull.
A ‘CCTV trawl’ is being undertaken by West Midlands Police and “patrols have been stepped up in the area.”
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating reports of a sexual assault that took place on Sunday 4 February in Babbs Mill Recreation Ground, Kingshurst.
“A 26-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and threatened with a knife at around 9pm.
“A CCTV trawl is currently being carried out and patrols have been stepped up in the area.”
Crimes in parks – places popular with children and families – have prompted calls for a greater police presence.
The Observer spoke to councillors about the prevalence of crime in Solihull’s parks some weeks ago.
We reported an 23 per cent rise in crime last year in Solihull.
Latest figures show levels of violent incidents in a public place rose by 18 per cent.
A report says West Midlands Police and partners are using ‘Hot Grids’ to target locations that experience this kind of violence – such as parks.
Councillor Ken Hawkins said in November:“The police have made a lot of arrests and they are taking action, trying to increase visible patrols.
“It is about making people feel safe.”
Police say investigations remain on-going and anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting crime reference number 20SH/28268R/18.
