Surrey Police have urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects
Police say they have so far been unable to identify the ‘several’ men suspected of raping a woman outside a church in Epsom and have warned crime and disorder will not be tolerated after protesters gathered. A large crowd of protesters came together in Epsom town centre on Wednesday evening (April 15) to call for more information on the suspects.
Surrey Police announced earlier on Wednesday that they do not have enough information to release descriptions of the suspects who raped a woman in Epsom. While said they have already interviewed a number of witnesses, carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries and are reviewing CCTV footage they ‘unfortunately at this stage’ do not have ‘sufficient information to release the descriptions of the suspects’.
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said descriptions of the suspects will be made public “as soon as we are able to do so”. According to the force, the victim, in her 20s, said she was followed and attacked after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub. The attack is believed to have occurred between 2am and 4am on Saturday outside Epsom Methodist Church in Ashley Road.
On Wednesday, footage posted on social media showed a large crowd of protesters congregated in the town centre. Dozens of police officers could be seen wearing helmets and holding shields, with objects appearing to have been thrown at them.
The protest was promoted online by Danny Tommo, a former associate of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson. During the demonstration a letter was read out in which a resident asked for more information and reassurance from the police after the assault, particularly on whether any suspects had been identified and detained and if there was still a risk to the public.
The group also blocked the road, causing disruption to motorists, before leaving the scene at around 8pm, according to police. East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “There was a significant police presence in Epsom town centre this evening to support the group’s right to lawful protest and minimise disruption to the local community.
“I appreciate that this may have caused concern to people in the town centre, and I would like to reassure you that our priority was to ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the safety of those involved in the protest. I also appreciate that there was some disruption in the town centre while the protest was taking place and I would like to thank all those affected for their patience.
“We respect the right to lawful protest and will facilitate this wherever possible where it is safe to do so. However, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated, and we will always take robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.”
Officers remained in the town centre on Wednesday evening. The force urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects in an earlier update, saying it did not have enough information to provide descriptions.
Merseyside Police were criticised for not revealing the ethnicity of Axel Rudakubana when he was arrested on suspicion of murder after he killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024. Within hours of the attack, posts on the internet claimed the suspect was a 17-year-old asylum seeker who had come to the country by boat.
In August last year, police forces were told to share suspects’ ethnicity and nationality with the public after authorities were accused of covering up offences by asylum seekers.
Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident outside the church have been urged to contact Surrey Police quoting reference number PR/45260041426.
Information can also be provided anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or using the online form.
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