Epsom church minister condemns ‘intimidating’ protest over alleged rape

The minister of a church near the scene of an alleged gang-rape in Epsom has condemned the “intimidating” protest involving hundreds of people gathering in the Surrey town to demand information about the suspects from police.

A woman in her 20s is believed to have been assaulted outside Epsom Methodist church after leaving Labyrinth nightclub on Saturday between 2am and 4am, according to Surrey police.

Officers have said they are working to find the suspects but do not have “sufficient information” to release to the public about who they are looking for. They have urged people not to speculate as they appeal for witnesses.

A protest was held on Wednesday evening in Epsom town centre to demand more information from police about the alleged incident, including details about the suspects. Dozens of police officers were wearing helmets and holding shields, and objects appeared to be thrown at them, but no arrests were made at the scene.

The Rev Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist church said the community was “shocked and appalled” by reports of the alleged attack. On Thursday afternoon the church organised a Hope for Epsom event, which invited people to come together in “love and grace” after the news.

Community members and leaders, police officers and clergy attended the service on Thursday. A specially commissioned song of hope was sung before those attending were given the opportunity to lay stones at the front of the church.

Hutton said: “I was getting off the train at 5 o’clock [on Wednesday] and the protest was starting to gather. It was intimidating.

“Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that, and that is why we are having an act of hope for the community so we can stand together and declare we are good people.”

On Wednesday evening, footage posted on social media showed a large crowd of protesters in the town centre. People blocked the road, causing disruption to motorists, before leaving the scene at around 8pm, according to police.

Mark Laxton, an Epsom resident who joined the protest on Wednesday, said: “All people want is answers because no one is safe any more. There was me and around 200 to 300 other people, it was all set up online … You hardly see police walking the streets and that’s what frustrates people. Hopefully we will have made them think.”

Ch Supt Mark Chapman said: “We respect the right to lawful protest and will facilitate this wherever possible where it is safe to do so. However, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated, and we will always take robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.”

Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident outside the church have been urged to contact Surrey police quoting reference number PR/45260041426.

Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or using the online form.