Dozens of protesters took to the streets of Epsom on Wednesday night, demanding Surrey Police release descriptions and CCTV footage of the men suspected of gang raping a woman outside a local church.
The attack took place in the early hours of Saturday morning after the victim, a woman in her 20s, was followed by a group of men as she left the Labyrinth nightclub in the town centre. She was assaulted outside Epsom Methodist Church in Ashley Road, around 100 yards away, between 2am and 4am.
Surrey Police said it is still working to identify those responsible. A spokesman said: “At this early stage, we do not have full descriptions of any potential suspects.
“We will release further details once we have them. The victim is being supported by a specialist sexual offences liaison officer, who is helping her through the process at her own pace.”
It is not yet known how many men took part in the alleged attack.
Riot shields deployed
Officers with riot shields formed a barrier across the high street as the protest brought traffic to a standstill. Earth, plants, a cone and bottles were thrown at police during the demonstration.
A man named Pete read out reportedly a letter addressed to the force through a microphone, telling officers: “We came here today to deliver a letter to the police. Unfortunately, we have not been able to do that, but they very kindly joined us. Let’s read that letter out to them.”
The letter said: “I am writing as a deeply concerned resident of Epsom to formally request clarity and assurance following reports of a serious and distressing incident that is said to have taken place locally.
“It has been widely discussed within the community that a 20-year-old woman was subjected to a prolonged and violent assault, reportedly occurring in a churchyard and occurring for a significant period of time.
“What is compounding this concern is the apparent lack of publicly available information regarding the incident. There has been no clear communication about whether suspects have been identified, apprehended or whether there is any longer a risk to the public.
“The absence of detail has led to widespread speculation, misinformation and growing unease within the community.
“As residents, we fully appreciate the need for discretion during active investigations. However, we believe it is essential that the public is provided with appropriate updates and reassurances, particularly when an incident of this severity has occurred. At present, many women and girls in Epsom feel uncertain about their safety.”
The letter drew cheers from the crowd, reports The Telegraph. Some protesters are described as approached riot officers and engaging in heated exchanges.
‘We just want descriptions’
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters confronting officers and pressing them for suspect descriptions.
One man told the crowd: “We literally just want descriptions. Right now, these women and girls do not know who they need to be looking out for.”
Another said: “They are not communicating with you and they are not telling you what is going on, and for that reason, your women and girls are scared.”
A separate voice could be heard in the background shouting: “Let’s take England back.”
Police response
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 to reassure you that we are working hard to progress this investigation.
“While we have already carried out extensive inquiries, we do not have sufficient information at this time to update you with the descriptions of the suspects.”
Police have urged anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed anything suspicious to come forward. Motorists with dashcam footage are also being asked to contact detectives.