Protesters faced riot police in Epsom on Wednesday after the rape of a woman outside a church by several men.
The demonstration – which had been promoted by Danny Tommo, a former associate of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson – called for police to release the descriptions of the suspects.
So far, Surrey Police has declined to identify the suspects, saying in a statement that it did not have enough information to do so.
The force warned on Thursday morning that crime and disorder in reaction to the rape will not be tolerated. People have also been urged not to speculate on the descriptions of the suspects.
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “There was a significant police presence in Epsom town centre this evening to support this group’s right to lawful protest and minimise disruption to the local community.
“I appreciate that this may have caused concern to people in the town centre, and I would like to reassure you that our priority was to ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the safety of those involved in the protest.”
According to social media posts created by Mr Tommo, Mr Chapman has agreed to a face-to-face meeting with residents on Thursday evening.
What happened on Saturday night?
A victim in her 20s says she was followed after leaving Labyrinth nightclub in Epsom on Saturday evening.
The Labyrinth Epsom nightclub
PA
She was raped between 2am and 4am outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road by several men.
A number of witnesses have already been interviewed, according to Surrey Police, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to build a picture of what happened.
The victim is being supported by a specialist Sexual Offences Liaison Officer through the process.
What happened at the protests?
Crowds of protesters gathered in the town centre of Epsom on Wednesday to demand answers from the police, appearing to throw objects at the force.
Roads were blocked as a consequence of the protests, causing disruption to motorists until 8pm when protesters left the scene.
Local residents face riot police in protests on Wednesday
Getty
Protesters have been demanding that Surrey Police release the descriptions of the suspects.
In a letter read out at Wednesday’s demonstration, a resident asked for more information and reassurance from the police after the assault, particularly on whether any suspects had been identified and detained and if there was still a risk to the public.
Other protesters told the Sun that they were disgusted, “shocked”, and “terrified” that no arrests had been made.
Why has Surrey Police not released descriptions of the suspects?
Surrey Police said it did not have sufficient information to release descriptions of the suspects.
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “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.”
In 2024, Merseyside Police was 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.
Just hours after the attack, posts on social media claimed the suspect was a 17-year-old asylum seeker who had come to the country by boat.
What have been the reactions to the attack?
Outrage, primarily from far-right activists and Danny Tommo supporters, has flooded social media, while many residents have also expressed safety concerns online.
Reverend Catherine Hutton (3rd left) speaking to the media outside Epsom Methodist Church in Ashley Road, Surrey, following an alleged rape outside the church.
PA
Epsom Methodist Church is set to hold a “community act” on Thursday to “raise our voices for women who are vulnerable and all who are victimised.”
Reverend Catherine Hutton called the attack “horrifying and completely shocking”, but labelled the protest as “pretty intimidating.”
Epsom MP Helen Maguire condemned the violence in a post on X.
She said: “While I support peaceful protest and understand that members of our community are rightly angry after the appalling assault on a young woman, those who are turning to disruption and intimidation cannot be allowed to do so.
“Behaviour such as damaging police vehicles, blocking key roads, and intimidating officers is completely unacceptable.
“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.”