Police Warn Against Disorder After Epsom Rape Protest

Surrey Police has declared it "will not tolerate disorder" following a protest in Epsom concerning the rape of a woman by several men outside a local church. Riot police were deployed on Wednesday evening after individuals took to the streets, demanding descriptions of the suspects.

Prior to the protest, police had issued two official statements since the incident on Saturday, asserting in the second that they lacked "sufficient information" to release suspect descriptions.

The force confirmed the rape occurred in the early hours outside Epsom Methodist Church. The victim, a woman in her 20s, was reportedly followed after leaving the Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.

Police have urged the public to refrain from speculating about the suspects' identities, cautioning that this "may lead to additional tensions within our local communities."

Dozens of officers attended the protest on Epsom High Street, with images from the scene suggesting objects were thrown at police. Protesters also blocked the road, causing significant disruption to motorists.

Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman stated, "We respect the right to lawful protest and will facilitate this wherever possible where it is safe to do so. However, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated, and we will always take robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence."

Epsom MP Helen Maguire suggested the protest was co-opted by "right-wing online activists" seeking to "fan the flames of divisiveness."

Officers continue to appeal for witnesses, particularly anyone who observed a woman in distress in the Ashley Road area between 02:00 and 04:00 BST on Saturday.