Police investigating an alleged gang-rape in Epsom have said they have not found any evidence to support the claims. The report of the attack, which prompted protests in the Surrey town this week, is still being investigated.
The alleged incident occurred on 11 April, when a woman in her 20s is said to have been raped by a group of men after leaving the Labyrinth Epsom nightclub. It was reported to have taken place between 2am and 4am outside a Methodist church.
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame said Surrey Police had reviewed “extensive” CCTV footage, interviewed potential witnesses, and carried out forensic and house-to-house enquiries. “To date, we have not found any evidence of the offence as reported but the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
Grahame acknowledged “much speculation” about the lack of a suspect description, particularly regarding ethnicity, but said this was due to limited information. She added there was “no evidence that asylum seekers or immigrants were involved”.
Protesters gathered in Epsom on Wednesday, demanding more details. The demonstration, which saw police carrying shields and helmets, was promoted online by Danny Tommo, a former ally of far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Rev Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist Church described the protests as “intimidating” and called for unity, saying hate cannot drive out hate.
Surrey Police have appealed for anyone with information or footage to come forward, and said there will be an increased police presence in Epsom this weekend.
