Protesters demand answers from police after woman raped in Epsom – as suspects remain unknown
Protests broke out in a Surrey town after a woman was raped outside a church; Police said they did not have enough information to release descriptions of the suspects.
Footage posted on social media showed a large crowd of protesters gathering in the city center on Wednesday evening.
Dozens of police officers were seen wearing helmets, holding shields and what appeared to be objects thrown at them.
The alleged rape is believed to have taken place outside Epsom Methodist Church in Ashley Road between 2am and 4am on Saturday.
Surrey Police said in a social media post that the victim, in his 20s, was followed and then attacked after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.
Surrey Police have urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects.
East Surrey Chief Inspector Mark Chapman said: “I understand the distress and concern this incident has caused both the victim and our local communities and I would like to reassure you that we are working hard to progress this investigation.
“While we are already conducting extensive investigations, we do not have sufficient information at this time to provide you with descriptions of the suspects.
“I appreciate that this has caused increased concern and I can assure you that we will update you with these clarifications as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, I urge people not to speculate about the descriptions of these suspects as this could lead to additional tensions in our local communities.
“I can also assure you that we have increased patrols in the area and the increased police presence will continue over the weekend.
“As we continue to progress our investigation, we urge anyone with any information who has not yet come forward to do so urgently.”
Merseyside Police had been criticized for not disclosing the ethnicity of Axel Rudakubana, who was arrested on suspicion of murder after killing three teenage girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.
A few hours after the attack, posts spread on the internet claiming that the suspect was a 17-year-old asylum seeker who came to the country by boat.
In August last year, police forces were told to publicly disclose the ethnicity and nationality of suspects after authorities were accused of covering up crimes committed by asylum seekers.
Garrington Property Finders named Epsom the 12th most desirable place to live in England and Wales in its 2026 list.
The average cost of a house in the area is stated to be £712,105.
Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time are asked to contact Surrey Police using reference number PR/45260041426.
Information can also be provided anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via an online form.
