Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer
LONDON, England:
THE GANG rape of a 14-year-old Jamaican girl in Birmingham, England by some 12 men recently, led to the closure of shops and other business places in the Perry Barr community. The shut down came after some 200 hundred residents who took to the streets on Tuesday, demanding justice.
The matter has been referred to the Thornhill Road Police in Handsworth, while the West Midland Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The West Midland Police Press Bureau at Lloyds House, told The Gleaner that "we are willing to do something but someone needs to come forward, we don't know who the victim is as there has been no formal report."
According to information reaching The Gleaner, several church interests and social organisations in the area are now seeking to have the victim report the matter to the police.
The Gleaner reportedly went into a shop in the area where she was accused of stealing hair products. It is alleged that when the teenager was accosted she denied stealing the product. However, her accuser was adamant and decided to call the police.
The accused girl was said to be an illegal immigrant and in fear deportation begged that the police should not be called. It is further alleged that with the disclosure of the girl's immigration status, the accuser held her hostage for three days in a section of the shop where several men were allowed to sexually abuse her.
The girl was reportedly spotted by another shopkeeper who raised an alarm.
Despite her fears of deportation, the West Midland police who met with the residents are appealing to the 14-year-old to come forward as the matter will be dealt with sensitively.
