A British-born Sikh woman has been raped while being told 'you don't belong in this country, get out' - and police are now hunting two men over the 'racially motivated attack'.
The horrifying attack on the woman in her twenties happened in the town of Oldbury, West Midlands, at around 8.30am on Tuesday, in the residential Tame Road area.
The Sikh Federation UK dubbed it a 'brutal racist and sexual attack', adding the young girl was 'viciously beaten and raped' in 'broad daylight on a busy road'.
West Midlands Police are now investigating and want to speak to anyone who may have seen two white men in the area at the time of the attack.
The first is described as having a shaved head and a heavy build and was wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves on.
The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.
Officers said they are treating it as an 'isolated incident' but understand the 'anger and worry' it has caused locally and will be making extra patrols for reassurance.
Local MP Gurinder Singh Josan has also noted the attack is being treated as a hate crime.
Dozens of people have attended an emergency meeting at a Sikh temple in the nearby town of Smethwick in the wake of terrifying attack.
Jas Singh, principal advisor to the Sikh Federation (UK), was among the faith and community leaders who organised the meeting at Guru Nanak Gurdwara.
He told Sky News: 'In the context of the climate, it makes it even more worrying because there is a trend of hatred... the targeting of migrants.
'Ultimately, what that means is the targeting of people's skin colour, and as Sikhs we have the most distinct, unique identity.
'We bear the brunt of all prejudice and ignorance, and hate.'
One woman in her 30s, who did not wish to be named, broke down in tears as she called out the attack as a divisive act of racism.
Reverend Nick Ross, from the nearby Holy Trinity Church in Smethwick, said both the gurdwara and his Anglican place of worship had been defaced by graffiti.
He warned tensions across the country will continue to build if such attacks are ignored.
The first man police want to speak to is described as having a shaved head and a heavy build and was wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves on.
The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip.
The gurdwara has said in a statement it is 'deeply concerned by the recent targeted attack'.
The place of worship posted on Facebook: 'Acts of violence against any individually especially when motivated by identity are abhorrent and must be met with collective resolve.'
It underlined it was 'committed to safeguarding the dignity and security of all who attend, serve or belong here'.
The gurdwara's statement continued: 'We have met with senior police officers and continue to push for strong action and reassurance.'
'We urge everyone to remain vigilant and united.'
It said it would further strengthen its reporting mechanisms for 'suspicious behaviour' and work with the police to ensure any reports escalated to it are treated seriously.
The spokesperson concluded:'Our strength lies in unity. Fear and division undermine our values...
'We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving this community with compassion, solidarity and courage.'
Officers said they are treating it as an 'isolated incident' but understand the 'anger and worry' it has caused locally and will be making extra patrols for reassurance.
Local MP Gurinder Singh Josan has also noted the attack is being treated as a hate crime.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, of Sandwell Police, said: 'We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other inquiries well under way.
'We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible.
'Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.'
Dabinderjit Singh, the lead executive for political engagement at the Sikh Federation (UK), said the attack took place in 'broad daylight on a busy road'.
He added Sikh Youth UK is supporting the victim and her family.
'Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks,' he underlined.
'The current racist political environment is driven by populism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views.'
'More than 48 hours later, we await the public condemnation by politicians on all sides of this brutal racist and sexual attack where a young Sikh woman has been viciously beaten and raped.'
Ms Josan, Labour MP for Smethwick, wrote on X: 'This is a truly horrific attack and my thoughts are with the victim.
'I have now spoken with the Borough Commander Chief Supt Kim Madill and am reassured Sandwell Police are doing everything they possibly can to find the perpetrators.
'The incidence is being treated as a hate crime. The police are working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised by the attack.
'We are grateful for all the CCTV and information that has already been forthcoming from the community.'
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting log 798 of September 9.