Surrey Police have stated they have uncovered no evidence to support a reported rape in Epsom, despite an ongoing and extensive investigation into the allegation.
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame confirmed the force is continuing to investigate a report that a woman in her 20s was raped by a group of men in the early hours of Saturday, 11 April, after she left the Labyrinth Epsom nightclub. The alleged attack was said to have occurred between 2am and 4am outside Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road.
No evidence found amid extensive enquiries
In a detailed update, ACC Grahame outlined the scale of the investigation, which has included reviewing an extensive amount of CCTV footage, interviewing potential witnesses, conducting forensic investigations, and making house-to-house enquiries. “To date, we have not found any evidence of the offence as reported but the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The senior officer directly addressed the significant public speculation, particularly regarding the ethnicity of any suspects and why a description has not been issued. She clarified that this was solely because “information about the incident and potential suspects is so limited.” Grahame stated unequivocally that there is “no evidence that asylum seekers or immigrants were involved,” directly countering false narratives that had circulated online.
Protests marked by disorder and external influence
The widespread speculation and frustration over the limited information culminated in protests in Epsom town centre on Wednesday, 15 April. Demonstrators demanded more details from police about the alleged incident and suspects.
Footage from the event showed large crowds, with police officers in helmets and carrying shields present. Objects were reportedly thrown at officers, roads were blocked causing disruption, though no arrests were made at the scene. Some local residents observed that people from outside the community appeared to be involved.
The demonstration was promoted online by Danny Tommo, a former associate of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Tommo, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, was on the streets with a microphone encouraging people and filming for YouTube, accusing police of a cover-up. Thomas has a history of criminal convictions, including being jailed in 2016 for attempted kidnapping at knifepoint.
Community condemns intimidation and calls for unity
The local community’s reaction has been one of shock at the initial allegation, followed by condemnation of the nature of the protests. Reverend Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist Church, near the alleged scene, said the community was “shocked and appalled” by reports of the attack, describing it as a “scale of horror” not previously seen in Epsom.
She described the subsequent protests as “intimidating,” stating, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” In response, her church organised a “Hope for Epsom” event on Thursday, 16 April, which was attended by community members, leaders, police, and clergy as an act of unity.
Epsom MP Helen Maguire supported the right to peaceful protest but condemned damage to police vehicles, road blockages, and the intimidation of officers, suggesting the event had been “hijacked by right-wing online activists.” East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman acknowledged community distress but urged people not to speculate about suspects, warning it increased tensions and that criminal offences during protests would not be tolerated.
Surrey Police have reiterated their appeal for information. Anyone with relevant details, CCTV, dashcam, or helmet cam footage is urged to contact them, quoting reference number PR/45260041426. The force has said there will be an increased police presence in Epsom this weekend.
