A church minister in Epsom has strongly condemned what she described as "intimidating" protests that erupted in response to a reported rape outside her church, emphasising that "hate cannot drive out hate" and calling for community solidarity.
Alleged Assault Outside Epsom Methodist Church
According to Surrey Police, a woman in her 20s is believed to have been followed and assaulted outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road. The incident reportedly occurred after she left the Labyrinth Epsom nightclub between 2am and 4am on Saturday. Reverend Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist Church stated that nothing of "this scale of horror" has happened in the Surrey town before, expressing shock and appall at the violation.
Community Outpouring and Protest
On Wednesday evening, a protest was held in Epsom town centre, organised online by Danny Tommo, a former associate of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson. Dozens of police officers in helmets and shields were present, with objects appearing to be thrown at them. The protest demanded more information from police about the alleged incident, including suspect details, and blocked roads, causing disruption before dispersing around 8pm.
Reverend Hutton described the protest as intimidating, noting a "universal outpouring of anger" in the community. She urged people to stand together outside her church on Thursday to declare the community are "good people" and emphasised the need for justice for the victim. "We are absolutely horrified, shocked and appalled that men could feel that they had the right to violate a woman in such a calculated and disgusting way," she said.
Local Reactions and Police Response
Mark Laxton, an Epsom resident who joined the protest, said he was there to support because "no one is safe any more," with around 200-300 people attending. Local businesses were affected, with Subhir Singh of Epsom Dry Cleaners shutting his shop and reporting eggs being thrown at police, while Madhur Gupta at Epsom Food and Wine noted police advised shops to close as the protest started.
East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman stated that while police respect the right to lawful protest, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated, with robust action taken against offenders. Surrey Police have not released suspect descriptions due to insufficient information and are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage, quoting reference number PR/45260041426.
Broader Context and Community Impact
The incident has sparked broader discussions about safety and policing in Epsom, a town recently named the 12th most desirable place to live in England and Wales by Garrington Property Finders, with average home prices at £712,105. In August last year, police forces were instructed to share suspects' ethnicity and nationality publicly after accusations of covering up offences by asylum seekers, adding to the tension.
Reverend Hutton highlighted the importance of standing for women's freedom to move without violation and called for an act of hope to rebuild community cohesion. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555111 or via their online form.
