Riot police deployed in Epsom after protest over rape suspects descriptions

Riot and public-order officers were deployed to Epsom town centre as a protest over a suspected rape investigation spilled into road blockages, shouts at police and growing anger over why detectives had not released detailed descriptions of the suspects.

Surrey Police said a woman in her 20s reported being raped by several men outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub nearby. Detectives believe the attack happened between 2am and 4am on Saturday, April 11, and the force said it was still carrying out extensive enquiries four days later.

Police said they did not yet have enough information to release full descriptions of the suspects and warned against speculation, saying it could increase tensions in local communities. Officers also said the victim was being supported by specialist staff and asked witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 2am and 4am, to come forward under reference PR/45260041426.

The protest drew dozens of people into Epsom shortly before 5pm on Wednesday, April 15, where crowds gathered in the town centre and blocked the road, disrupting motorists before leaving at about 8pm. Social media footage showed confrontations with police, and reports said objects were thrown as officers moved to keep order around the demonstration.

East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said police were there to support the right to lawful protest and to minimise disruption, but that criminal offences and public disorder would not be tolerated. The response reflected the pressure on officers trying to balance an open rape investigation with a fast-moving public backlash fuelled by demands for names, images and a sense of control over an unfolding case.

Local MP Helen Maguire said outside agitators were not welcome, adding: “To those who have come into Epsom from outside our community to spread division and cause disruption, take it elsewhere, it won’t be tolerated.” A resident’s letter read out at the protest asked whether any suspects had been identified and detained, and whether there was still a risk to the public. Reports also said the protest was promoted online by Danny Tommo, described as a former associate of Tommy Robinson, as slogans including “women and girls are scared” were heard in the crowd.