A protest over an alleged rape outside a church in Epsom, Surrey, escalated into public disorder on Monday evening, with eggs and beer cans thrown at officers
Four people have been arrested following a demonstration in Epsom after an alleged “church rape.” Police stated there is no evidence that migrants or asylum seekers were connected to an alleged sexual assault outside a church.
Protesters assembled on a residential road in the Surrey town on Monday evening, with riot officers present at the location. Authorities said the demonstration “escalated to public disorder”, with eggs and beer cans being hurled and an individual appeared to attempt climbing onto a police van.
Surrey Police had received a report that a woman in her 20s had been followed and attacked outside a church in Ashley Road after departing Labyrinth Epsom nightclub on Saturday 11 April between 2am and 4am.
There was some public frustration that the force had not disclosed the ethnicity of any suspects but Surrey Police said this was because “the information about the incident and potential suspects is so limited”.
The demonstration on Monday follows a protest on Wednesday, when objects were hurled at officers. Surrey Police have warned that “robust action” will be taken against anyone who commits a criminal offence during the protests.
In an update published on the Epsom and Ewell Beat Facebook page on Monday evening, the force said: “Police are in attendance at an organised protest in Epsom which has escalated to public disorder, including missiles being thrown at them.
“Officers have surrounded a residential property and nearby hotels after they were targeted by protesters purporting that they were locations housing those seeking asylum.
“This is not the case and is wholly inaccurate information. The escalating behaviour of some of the protesters and the threat to officer safety has required officers to put on full protective public order uniform.
“Currently we have made four arrests, and we will continue to deal with criminal offences and public disorder, taking robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.”
Officers said there would be an enhanced police presence in the town once the demonstration concluded.
The force had previously stated: “We are aware that speculation and concern about the report we received remains, and we reiterate that our inquiries remain ongoing.
“These inquiries have included reviewing an extensive amount of CCTV footage from the area, carrying out forensics investigations and conducting house-to-house inquiries.
“To date, we have not found any evidence that the offence took place as reported.”
Police have appealed for anyone with CCTV, dashcam or helmet camera footage to contact them online, or via 101, quoting the reference number PR/45260041426.