‘No evidence’ of reported rape in Epsom that sparked protests, police say
A police investigation into a report of a rape in Epsom found no evidence of a crime having been committed, officers said.
The alleged incident sparked protests in the Surrey town on Wednesday evening after police said they did not yet have enough information to release a description of any suspects.
In a statement published on Friday, Surrey Police said there was “no evidence” that asylum seekers or immigrants were involved. He added that officers had reviewed “extensive” CCTV, interviewed potential witnesses and carried out forensic work but to date “have not found any evidence of the crime as reported”.
The police emphasized that the investigation is continuing.
The alleged rape reportedly took place outside Epsom Methodist Church in Ashley Road between 2am and 4am on Saturday morning. Surrey Police previously said the victim, in his twenties, was followed and then attacked after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.
Images of Wednesday evening’s protest posted on social media show a large crowd of demonstrators gathering in the city centre. Dozens of police officers were seen wearing helmets, holding shields and what appeared to be objects thrown at them.
It was learned that there were no arrests at the demonstration.
In the force’s update on Friday, assistant chief constable Sarah Grahame, who is responsible for local policing, said “widespread speculation and commentary” followed a report of rape.
“We recognize the strength of emotion this has generated and the frustration caused by our limited public comment on the issue,” he said.
“During this time, we carried out an in-depth investigation to establish the sequence of events and clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported incident. We reviewed a large number of CCTV footage from the area. We also interviewed potential witnesses, carried out forensic inquiries and carried out house-to-house inquiries.
“To date we have not found any reported evidence of crime but the investigation is ongoing.
“There has been much speculation, particularly in relation to ethnicity, that no description of any suspects has been released. As information about the incident and possible suspects is very limited, no statement has been released. Regarding specific comments, there is no evidence that asylum seekers or immigrants were involved.”
“If you have any information or any CCTV, dashcam or helmet cam footage please contact us online or on 101 quoting PR/45260041426.
“We appreciate that you have requested information. We will continue to communicate with you, reassure you, and tell you as much as we can to address your concerns. We ask for space and time to work through the investigation.
“There will be an increased police presence in Epsom over the weekend.”
On Thursday evening Epsom Methodist Church held a “community action” which it said allowed residents to express their “feelings of compassion and anger in a meaningful and positive way”.
Epsom MP Helen Maguire said the protest had been hijacked by “right-wing online activists” who wanted to “fan the flames of separatism”, the BBC reported.
