Protesters confront police demanding descriptions of church ‘gang rape suspects’

Protesters are gathering in Epsom demanding police release descriptions of a group of men suspected of raping a woman outside a church.

The victim, aged in her 20s, said she was followed from the Labyrinth nightclub and then attacked outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road between 2am and 4am on Saturday.

This evening, a large crowd of protesters have turned up in the town centre demanding more information about the men.

Dozens of police officers wearing helmets and holding shields formed a barrier in the high street, with objects appearing to have been thrown at them.

Surrey Police has said detectives are working to ‘clarify the circumstances and the details of those involved in the incident’ and urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects.

Footage of the demonstration posted to social media shows protesters calling on the police to give them more information on the suspects.

One man can be heard telling protesters outside the train station: ‘We literally just want descriptions. Right now, these women and girls do not know who they need to be looking out for.’

In another clip, a man with a megaphone told marchers: ‘They are not communicating with you and they are not telling you what is going on.’

A police spokesperson said today: ‘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.’

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.

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