Two Migrants in Separate Attacks on Women Prompt Public Outcry Over Police Handling

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Two separate incidents involving migrants living in taxpayer-funded hotels have raised serious concerns over public safety and police transparency. The cases, one in London and one in Rugby, Warwickshire, involve alleged assaults on women and have fuelled criticism of how such matters are handled.

In central London, a 26-year-old asylum seeker staying at the Thistle City Barbican hotel was arrested in March on suspicion of strangling a 20-year-old woman in a Tesco store, just a day after allegedly cat-calling her outside the hotel. The Metropolitan Police confirmed he was also arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and handling stolen goods after being found with a bank card in another person’s name. Despite the allegations, he was released under investigation and remains free while the case continues. Police have acknowledged the investigation has “taken longer than we would ideally have wanted” and are reviewing its handling.

The victim, said to be terrified after encountering the suspect in the area following his arrest, has been told an update will be provided. A police spokesperson explained that suspects cannot be held in custody for extended periods without charge and that either bail or release under investigation is often the only interim option.

In a separate case in Rugby, Warwickshire, Sudanese national Ahmed Muhammad Almahi, 32, has been charged with the sexual assault of a woman about two miles from the Ibis hotel where he had been staying. The alleged attack occurred last Monday evening, and Almahi was arrested the following day. He appeared before Coventry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and has been remanded in custody to appear at Warwick Crown Court on 11 September.

News of the Rugby incident has shocked local residents, leading to protests outside the Ibis hotel on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Warwickshire Police has faced criticism from councillors for not initially disclosing that Almahi was an illegal immigrant. Councillor Yousef Dahmash said he only learned of the suspect’s immigration status and hotel location via social media and had to contact police for details. He questioned why such information was withheld, stating, “I didn’t think it would prejudice someone’s case if their immigration status was revealed.”

The force responded that Almahi’s immigration status was made public during court proceedings and had been shared with “community partners,” but insisted no councillor or partner had subsequently sought further details.

These incidents follow mounting criticism of Warwickshire Police after two Afghan asylum seekers were charged with the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, amid accusations of a lack of transparency. The recent cases have intensified calls for greater openness from police and a reassessment of policies surrounding the accommodation and monitoring of migrants accused of serious crimes.