Statement from Surrey Police:
“We are aware of a protest planned this afternoon in Epsom and we have resources in place to support this.
“While we respect the right to lawful protest and will facilitate this wherever possible and where it is safe to do so, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.”
Police are still trying to identify several men accused of raping a woman outside a church in Epsom on Saturday.
The victim, in her 20s, was followed after leaving Labyrinth nightclub in the town centre in the early hours.
Epsom MP Helen Maguire says her heart goes out to the young woman “at the centre of this deeply distressing incident.”
She says it’s important that Surrey Police is allowed to carry out its investigation without interference.
Further statement from Surrey Police:
“We would like to reassure you that we are working diligently to establish the sequence of events and to clarify the circumstances and the details of those involved in the incident which is reported to have taken place between 2am and 4am outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road.
“As part of this investigation, we have already interviewed a number of witnesses and carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries. We are also reviewing CCTV footage from the route the victim took around the time of the incident to build a picture of what happened.
“Unfortunately at this stage, we still do not have sufficient information to release the descriptions of the suspects. However, we are continuing to work with the victim, who is being supported by a specialist Sexual Offences Liaison Officer through the process, to progress these enquiries.”
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “I understand the distress and concern that this incident has caused, both for the victim herself and amongst our local communities, and I want you to reassure you that we are working hard to progress this investigation.
“While we have already carried out extensive enquiries, we do not have sufficient information at this time to update you with the descriptions of the suspects. I appreciate that this causes increased concern, and I can assure you that we will update you with these descriptions as soon as we are able to do so.
“In the meantime, I would urge people not to speculate about the descriptions of these suspects as this may lead to additional tensions within our local communities.
“I would also like to reassure you that we have stepped up patrols in the area, and this increased police presence will continue over the weekend.
“While we continue to progress our investigation, we would urge anyone with any information who has not already come forward to do so as a matter of urgency.”
If you were in the area around Ashley Road, Epsom Methodist Church, or Labyrinth nightclub between 2am and 4am on Saturday morning, if you saw or spoke to a woman in her 20s in distress in this area, or you have any CCTV, dashcam, or helmet cam footage of this area during this time frame, contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45260041426 or via online form.
