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Police issue disorder warning after Epsom rape protest
TL;DR
Surrey Police warned against disorder following a protest in Epsom over a recent rape incident. Riot police were deployed as demonstrators demanded suspect descriptions after police stated they lacked sufficient information.
Key points
- Surrey Police warned against disorder after a protest in Epsom
- Protest was in response to a woman's rape outside a church
- Riot police were deployed to manage the situation
- Demonstrators demanded suspect descriptions from police
- Police stated they lacked sufficient information to release details
Mentioned in this story
Surrey PoliceEpsom
Surrey Police has said it "will not tolerate disorder" following a protest in Epsom over the rape of a woman outside a church by several men.
Riot police were deployed on Wednesday evening after people took to the streets demanding a description of the suspects.
Before the protest, police had released just two official statements since Saturday's rape, saying in the second it did not have "sufficient information" to release descriptions.
The BBC has approached Surrey Police several times for more details about the rape and those responsible.
Dozens of police officers were deployed to the protest on Epsom High Street, with photos from the scene appearing to show people throwing objects at them.
The protesters also blocked the road, causing disruption to motorists, according to the force.
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."
Surrey Police said the rape happened outside Epsom Methodist Church after the victim, a woman in her 20s, was followed after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.
The force has urged people not to speculate about the identity of the suspects, saying: "This may lead to additional tensions within our local communities."
Ch Supt Chapman said that Wednesday's "significant police presence" had been to "support the group's right to lawful protest and minimise disruption to the local community".
He said the protest "may have caused concern to people in the town centre", but that officers' priority had been to "ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the safety of those involved in the protest".
Epsom Methodist Church is to hold a "community act" on Thursday, aiming to "raise our voices for women who are vulnerable and all who are victimised".
Epsom MP Helen Maguire previously said she was "appalled" by the attack.
Officers are still appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a woman in distress in the area of Ashley Road between 02:00 and 04:00 BST on Saturday.
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Q&A
What happened during the Epsom rape protest?
During the Epsom rape protest, demonstrators clashed with police, throwing objects as they demanded information about the suspects.
Why did Surrey Police issue a disorder warning?
Surrey Police issued a disorder warning to prevent violence and maintain order after tensions escalated during the protest.
What details have police released about the Epsom rape case?
Police have released two statements since the rape incident, indicating they do not have sufficient information to provide descriptions of the suspects.
