Disorder at protest over Epsom rape investigation branded ‘shameful’

Clashes that saw eggs and beer cans thrown at police during a protest over a disputed rape investigation have been condemned as “shameful”.

Surrey police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend said some of those involved in the unrest in Epsom on Monday had travelled from elsewhere to cause trouble, and warned them to stay away.

She said: “The mindless scenes we witnessed last night where our police officers were targeted with missiles were nothing short of shameful.

“I am a firm believer in people’s right to lawful protest, but sadly, some of those present in Epsom yesterday stepped way beyond that line and the type of behaviour we witnessed will not be tolerated.

“The reality is that a number of those in Epsom last night were not local and have come into the town from elsewhere, clearly with their own agenda.

“My message to those intent on stirring up trouble under the guise of legitimate protest is: stay away from Epsom.

“If you involve yourself in disorder, the police will take robust action and I expect you to face the full force of the law.”

Four people were arrested after the items were thrown at police in riot gear on Monday evening, and one man appeared to try to climb on top of a police van.

It was the second protest in the town after a woman reported being raped near a church in the early hours of Saturday April 11 after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.

There was some public anger that the force had not released the ethnicity of any suspects but Surrey Police said this was because “the information about the incident and potential suspects is so limited”.

The force has repeatedly said there is no evidence to suggest immigrants or asylum seekers were involved in the attack.

Ms Townsend added: “I have been kept updated by senior officers and I know how painstaking and extensive the inquiries have been over the last week to establish the full facts of what happened in this case.

“I fully appreciate in circumstances like this that the local community are keen to have as much information as possible, particularly when the report made is of such a concerning nature.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable to see whether further clarity can be given around the circumstances of this case. But the reality is, our police service is often in the unenviable position of trying to balance sharing information publicly with ensuring the integrity of an investigation.

“Surrey Police has said there is no evidence this case involves asylum seekers or immigrants. But clearly this does not suit the narrative some want to push and we are still seeing misinformation being spread online which I believe helped fuel the scenes we witnessed last night.

“This unhelpful speculation has made a difficult situation even worse for our communities in Epsom. I would like to thank them for their continued patience and understanding while this investigation is carried out.”