Protests over alleged Epsom rape descend into ‘public disorder’ as police hit with eggs and beer cans
Four people were arrested during a protest in Epsom following allegations of rape in the area.
Demonstrators gathered on a residential street in the Surrey town on Monday evening, with riot police also on the scene.
Police said the protest “devolved into a civil disturbance” with eggs and beer cans being thrown.
A person was also seen trying to climb on top of the police van.
It comes after police said there was no evidence of migrants or asylum seekers being involved in the alleged incident outside a church on Saturday 11 April.
Surrey Police received a report that a woman in her 20s was followed and assaulted outside a church on Ashley Road after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub between 2am and 4am on Saturday, April 11.
There was some public anger over the police’s failure to disclose the ethnicity of any suspects, but Surrey Police said this was because “information about the incident and potential suspects was very limited”.
Monday’s protest follows a demonstration on Wednesday in which objects were thrown at officers.
Surrey Police have warned that “tough action” will be taken against anyone committing crimes at the protests.
In an update posted on the Epsom and Ewell Beat Facebook page on Monday evening, police said: “Police are attending an organized protest in Epsom which has caused public disorder, including missiles being fired at them.
“Officers surrounded a residence and nearby hotels after they were targeted by protesters, claiming they were housing those seeking asylum.
“This is not the case and is completely false information. The escalating behavior of some of the protesters and the threat to officer safety has required officers to wear full protective public order uniform.”
“We have now made four arrests and will continue to combat criminal offenses and disruption of public order and take strong action against anyone who commits crimes.”
