Protests over alleged Epsom rape descend into ‘public disorder’ as police hit with eggs and beer cans

Police hit out at “wholly inaccurate information” after nearby hotels were “targeted by protesters purporting that they were locations housing those seeking asylum”
Four people have been arrested during a protest in Epsom following an alleged rape in the area .

Demonstrators gathered on a residential street in the Surrey town on Monday evening, with riot police at the scene.

Police said the protest “escalated to public disorder”, with eggs and beer cans being thrown.

A person also appeared to try to climb on top of a police van.

It comes after police said there is no evidence that immigrants or asylum seekers were involved in an alleged incident outside a church on Saturday April 11.

Surrey Police had received a report that a woman in her 20s had been followed and assaulted outside a church in Ashley Road after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub on Saturday April 11 between 2am and 4am.

There was some public anger that the force had not released the ethnicity of any suspects but Surrey Police said this was because “the information about the incident and potential suspects is so limited”.

The protest on Monday follows a demonstration on Wednesday, when objects were thrown at officers.

Surrey Police have warned that “robust action” will be taken against anyone who commits a criminal offence in the protests.

In an update posted on the Epsom and Ewell Beat Facebook page on Monday evening, the force said: “Police are in attendance at an organised protest in Epsom which has escalated to public disorder, including missiles being thrown at them.

“Officers have surrounded a residential property and nearby hotels after they were targeted by protesters purporting that they were locations housing those seeking asylum.

“This is not the case and is wholly inaccurate information.

The escalating behaviour of some of the protesters and the threat to officer safety has required officers to put on full protective public order uniform.

“Currently we have made four arrests, and we will continue to deal with criminal offences and public disorder, taking robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.”