Warwickshire Police deny cover-up in case of 12-year-old girl’s rape in Nuneaton

A police force embroiled in a controversy has denied accusations of a "cover up" following the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton.

Two men, Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir, both aged 23, have been charged in connection with the attack, which occurred on July 22. 

The dispute arose after George Finch, the 19-year-old leader of Warwickshire County Council and a Reform UK councillor, wrote a letter alleging that the suspects were asylum seekers.

He also called on the Home Secretary and Warwickshire Police to disclose the men’s immigration status, a move that would deviate from standard national guidelines.

In response, Warwickshire Police have denied any suggestion of a cover-up and have made public their letter addressing Cllr Finch’s claims. 

In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith said: "The immigration status of Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir is now public knowledge, having been placed into the public domain by yourself.

 

Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith has denied claims of a "cover up". Picture: Warwickshire Police

"In light of that, I have asked the Home Office to confirm the full immigration status of Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir as per the information we shared with the Crown Prosecution Service and the Courts as part of this case.”

The Chief Constable stated “Warwickshire Police did not and will not cover up such criminality.

“As I confirmed to you when we spoke for the first time on Thursday 31 July, in events such as these it is good practice for police forces to work closely with partner agencies in order that we can collectively protect our communities.”

The force reiterated to Cllr Finch their primary focus remains on supporting the victim and identifying those responsible.

Mr Franklin-Smith also stressed current guidance on the disclosure of immigration status is “under review”.

“I am not responsible for matters of UK immigration policy and I will therefore leave the Home Office to respond to you on those specific matters.”

Speaking to LBC’s Nick Ferrari earlier today, Yvette Cooper called on local police forces to be more transparent with the public when dealing with offences committed by foreign nationals.

“We want to see greater transparency. We think it’s important,” Ms Cooper said.

The attack occurred on Cheverel Street in Nuneaton between 8:30pm and 9:45pm on July 22.

Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, was arrested on July 26 and charged the next day with rape, according to Warwickshire Police.

He appeared at Coventry Magistrates’ Court on July 28 and has been remanded in custody.

Mohammad Kabir was arrested on July 31 and charged with kidnap, strangulation and aiding and abetting rape of a girl under 13 and appeared before magistrates in the city on Saturday.

Both defendants are scheduled to appear at Warwick Crown Court on August 26.

The alleged attack happened on Cheverel Street, Nuneaton. Picture: Google

It comes following unrest in Epping, Essex following a series of protests outside the Bell Hotel last month.

Tensions began after asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexual assault after an incident in which he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

Gerberslasie denies sexual assault and is due to stand trial later this month.

Up until today, nine charges had been brought by the force against various individuals involved in the unrest outside the hotel.