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Protests have broken out in a Surrey town after a woman was raped outside a church, with police saying they do not have enough information to release descriptions of the suspects.
Footage posted on social media showed a large crowd of protesters gathering in the town centre on Wednesday evening.
Dozens of police officers could be seen wearing helmets and holding shields, with objects appearing to have been thrown at them.
The alleged rape is believed to have taken place on Saturday between 2am and 4am outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road.
The victim, aged in her 20s, said she was followed after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub and then attacked, Surrey Police said in a social media post.
Dozens of police officers could be seen wearing helmets and holding shields, with objects appearing to have been thrown at them (Ben Montgomery/Getty Images)
Surrey Police urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects.
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.”
Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road near where the alleged rape took place (Google Maps)
Merseyside Police were criticised for not revealing the ethnicity of Axel Rudakubana when he was arrested on suspicion of murder after he killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.
Within hours of the attack, posts spread on the internet which claimed the suspect was a 17-year-old asylum seeker who had come to the country by boat.
In August last year, police forces were told to share suspects’ ethnicity and nationality with the public after authorities were accused of covering up offences carried out by asylum seekers.
Garrington Property Finders named Epsom the 12th most desirable place to live in England and Wales in its 2026 list.
It said the average cost of a home in the area is £712,105.
Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time have been urged to contact Surrey Police quoting reference number PR/45260041426.
Information can also be provided anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online form.