Hundreds of protesters gathered in Epsom to demand descriptions of men suspected of gang raping a woman, according to multiple reports. Riot police were deployed on Wednesday evening after people took to the streets, and dozens of police officers were sent to the protest on Epsom High Street, with photos from the scene appearing to show people throwing objects at them. Children threw missiles at police in Epsom last night, according to major media reports.
The violence was sparked by a sexual assault on a woman in her 20s, who was attacked between 2am and 4am on Saturday, April 11, outside the Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road. Surrey Police said a group of men had followed the woman after she left the nearby Labyrinth nightclub. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.
Surrey Police said they do not yet have sufficient information to provide descriptions of the suspects. The police force urged people not to speculate about the identity of the suspects, saying it may lead to additional tensions within local communities. Around 200 residents gathered inside Epsom Methodist Church for the 'Hope for Epsom' service attended by community leaders, police officers, and clergy, according to multiple reports.
This is a live investigation, it is however a horrific case and our thoughts are with the victim.
Epsom Methodist Church is to hold a 'community act' on Thursday, aiming to raise voices for women who are vulnerable and all who are victimised. Political figures have condemned the violence. Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said this is a live investigation and a horrific case, with thoughts with the victim.
Helen Maguire, Lib Dem MP for Epsom and Ewell, called on the public to let the police do their work. She said behaviour such as damaging police vehicles, blocking key roads, and intimidating officers is completely unacceptable. Youth involvement was noted in the unrest, with major media reports indicating that children threw missiles at police in Epsom last night.
The specific items thrown at police during the protest have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear how many suspects are involved in the rape case or what descriptions or identities of the suspects are known to police but not released. The evidence gathered so far in the rape investigation has not been detailed, and no information has been provided on what charges, if any, have been filed against protesters for disorderly conduct.