Fury erupts on Epsom streets after lady ‘raped by group’ as protesters say ‘title them’
Around 100 officers in helmets and shields sealed off the High Street in the usually quiet Surrey town as tensions rose. Protesters demanded any suspects in the case be named
Protesters descended on Epsom high street after the alleged rape on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)
Fury has erupted on the streets of Epsom as hundreds of protesters demanded answers after a horrific alleged rape outside a church – with riot police drafted in to contain the unrest.
The demonstration comes after a woman in her 20s was allegedly attacked by multiple men in the early hours of Saturday. She had reportedly left Labrynth Nightclub before being grabbed by four men and carried to Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road.
Four days on, anger boiled over as locals took to the streets, calling on police to release descriptions of the suspects. Around 100 officers in helmets and shields sealed off the High Street in the usually quiet Surrey town as tensions rose.
Despite mounting pressure, Surrey Police urged the public not to speculate, insisting they do not yet have enough information to release descriptions. Officers say they have interviewed witnesses, carried out door-to-door enquiries, and are reviewing CCTV of the victim’s route.
But residents say it’s not enough. George Shine, 34, told the Sun: “If police had released the description this wouldn’t have happened and that is the main issue the local community has with the police and their handling of that matter; give us a description of the offender.
He continued: “Give us a description of the offenders. It will help put us all at ease. The thought that women in Epsom could be unsafe, with four predators on the loose, is really unsettling for everybody.”
Billy Cooper, 39, added that he finds it “disgusting” that cops have still not arrested anybody. He said: “It is madness. This is an area where this sort of thing doesn’t happen. A gang rape here is unheard of.”
A private carer called Emma said she moved to Epsom 20 years ago from London for safety – but says the incident has “terrified” residents.
She said: “This poor girl is sitting at home waiting for the police to do their job. The poor girl who was raped for two hours. I live in Epsom and awful things like this never happen here. If they know there were four faces why don’t we have four names.
“Why haven’t they arrested anyone? It’s been five days. The community is terrified. I don’t think girls living here will be brave enough to go out this weekend.”
Following the protest, Surrey Police issued a statement stressing the investigation is ongoing. They said: “We are aware that there is continued concern amongst the local community following a report of a rape which we received in the early hours on Saturday (11 April).
“We would like to reassure you that we are working diligently to establish the sequence of events and to clarify the circumstances and the details of those involved in the incident which is reported to have taken place between 2am and 4am outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road.”
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “I understand the distress and concern that this incident has caused, both for the victim herself and amongst our local communities, and I want to reassure you that we are working hard to progress this investigation.
“While we have already carried out extensive enquiries, we do not have sufficient information at this time to update you with the descriptions of the suspects. I appreciate that this causes increased concern, and I can assure you that we will update you with these descriptions as soon as we are able to do so.
“In the meantime, I would urge people not to speculate about the descriptions of these suspects as this may lead to additional tensions within our local communities.
“I would also like to reassure you that we have stepped up patrols in the area, and this increased police presence will continue over the weekend.
“While we continue to progress our investigation, we would urge anyone with any information who has not already come forward to do so as a matter of urgency.”
Police have appealed for anyone in the Ashley Road, Epsom Methodist Church, or Labyrinth nightclub area between 2am and 4am to come forward, particularly if they saw a distressed woman or have CCTV, dashcam, or helmet cam footage. They should quote PR/45260041426 or use the online form.
It is understood the protest was promoted online by Danny Tommo, a known associate of Tommy Robinson, who posted: “EPSOM TRAIN STATION 5PM! ITS TIME TO DEMAND ANSWERS!”
