Police are still trying to identify the suspects after a woman was raped outside a church.
Police in riot gear deployed in Epsom (Image: @MatrixGlitch1/X)
A large crowd of protesters have gathered in Epsom as police say they are trying to identify suspects after a woman was raped in the town on Saturday (April 11).
The woman, in her 20s, was followed by a group of men after leaving Labryinth Epsom nightclub. The men then raped her outside the Methodist Church on Ashley Road between 2am and 4am, police said. Police say they are still trying to identify the suspects as the investigation continues.
One protester threw a traffic cone in the direction of police (Image: Getty)
Following the incident on Saturday, a large crowd of protesters have this evening gathered in Epsom. Police are at the protest, including some in riot gear and carrying shields.
Police formed a barrier across the centre of the high street as traffic was stopped.
One man addressed the crowd, demanding that police release descriptions and CCTV of the men suspected to have raped the woman. He added: “Right now, these women and girls do not know who they need to be looking out for.”
The crowd eventually left the town centre at 8pm.
Following the protest, East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “There was a significant police presence in Epsom town centre this evening to support the group’s right to lawful protest and minimise disruption to the local community.
“I appreciate that this may have caused concern to people in the town centre, and I would like to reassure you that our priority was to ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the safety of those involved in the protest.
“I also appreciate that there was some disruption in the town centre while the protest was taking place and I would like to thank all those affected for their patience.
“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.
“Surrey Police works with all those seeking to protest, along with our partners and the local community, to ensure everyone’s views can be heard while at the same time encouraging them to always act lawfully.”
Police officers deployed in riot gear on Epsom High Street (Image: Getty)
A group of protesters in Epsom (Image: X)
Epsom MP Helen Maguire said the attack had “understandably caused real distress” in the town, adding: “My heart goes out to the young woman at the centre of this deeply distressing incident.”
“The most important thing is that Surrey Police can carry out their investigation thoroughly, and without interference,” she said, urging the public to “refrain from speculation, particularly online”.
Ch Supt Chapman urged anyone with information to contact police, quoting reference PR/45260041426 or using the force’s online form.