Police issue ‘final’ update on Epsom rape investigation that sparked furious protests | UK | News

Surrey Police announced on Monday evening that they would close an investigation into a rape outside a church in Epsom that caused widespread public disorder. The force received a report of a rape in the English town in the early hours of April 11.

Police said the report led to “an extensive investigation, including extensive review of CCTV footage of the woman’s movements, house-to-house inquiries, interviewing witnesses and forensic tests”. On April 23, after reviewing all the evidence, police said they concluded “no sexual offenses occurred in this incident.” Surrey Police added that they had closed the investigation.

Surrey Police’s statement, described as “final” by the force and published on Thursday evening, added: “It has become clear that a woman in her 20s suffered an accidental head injury during a night out in Epsom before making a confusing report.

“The woman concerned has given us permission to share this information with you and she continues to be supported by relevant services.”

Police later talked about the early stages of the probe. The statement said: “To be clear, we take every report of sexual offenses seriously and treat any such report with sensitivity. To do this, it is essential that appropriate time is given for a thorough investigation to be completed and the complainant must be supported to progress investigations at their own pace. This limits the information we can make publicly.

“In the early stages of this investigation, We have appealed for any witnesses or information that could help us further our investigations and identify potential suspects. Our initial objection was specifically due to a lack of information regarding: people of potential interest. This is because the explanations given are vague and limited. We know that this situation creates concern in society. We are now confident that there was no attack and that it is not suspicious.

“Our local officers will maintain a visible presence in Epsom over the coming days so please speak to them if you have any concerns or questions.”

There were two major protests in Epsom after news of a rape emerged.

Images posted on social media on April 15 showed a large crowd of protesters gathering in the city centre.

Dozens of police officers were seen wearing helmets, holding shields and what appeared to be objects thrown at them.

Eggs and beer cans were reportedly thrown at police officers during another demonstration on Monday, April 20.

These actions were condemned as “disgraceful” by Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.