A woman was allegedly followed and raped by several men in Epsom, Surrey, after leaving a nightclub, with police seeking witnesses. Protesters were seen gathering on Wednesday evening
Police have disclosed that they are still seeking information following the alleged rape of a woman by ‘several men’ outside an Epsom church, with protesters now gathering in the area.
The authorities assert they have ‘increased patrols’ and are encouraging anyone with information to step forward. The reported assault took place in the town centre, outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road, between 2am and 4am on Saturday (April 11).
It’s not clear what members of the public are protesting as no suspects have yet been identified. However, the details of a YouTube video recording the protesters read: “Women was R*ped by 4 men outside a church in epsom and it is being swept under the carpet ! Brtish public are furious about this!”
The woman, in her 20s, had left an Epsom nightclub and was allegedly followed after leaving Labyrinth Epsom in nearby Spread Eagle Walk. Surrey Police have stated they are continuing to work with the victim, who is receiving support from a specialist Sexual Offences Liaison Officer.
In a recent statement released today (15 April), police 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.
“As part of this investigation, we have already interviewed a number of witnesses and carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries.
“We are also reviewing CCTV footage from the route the victim took around the time of the incident to build a picture of what happened. Unfortunately at this stage, we still do not have sufficient information to release the descriptions of the suspects.
“However, we are continuing to work with the victim, who is being supported by a specialist Sexual Offences Liaison Officer through the process, to progress these enquiries.”
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman stated: “I understand the distress and concern that this incident has caused, both for the victim herself and amongst our local communities, and I want you 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.”
Surrey Police have appealed for anyone to get in touch if they were in the vicinity of Ashley Road, Epsom Methodist Church, or Labyrinth nightclub between 2am and 4am on Saturday morning. Furthermore, if anyone witnessed or spoke to a woman in her 20s in distress in this area, or possesses any CCTV, dashcam, or helmet cam footage of this location during this timeframe.
The public should contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45260041426 or using our online form.