'Stay away,' Far Right crowd told after clash with riot police following attack outside church

Police have warned crime and disorder will not be tolerated amid protests in an upmarket London commuter town following a suspected rape.

Large crowds squared off with riot police in the centre of Epsom on Wednesday as tensions soared following the attack.

Social media footage showed big groups of protesters and dozens of police officers wearing helmets and holding shields, with objects appearing to have been thrown at them.

The protest was promoted online by Danny Tommo, a former associate of Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson.

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Local MP Helen Maguire said: “To those who have come into Epsom from outside our community to spread division and cause disruption, take it elsewhere, it won’t be tolerated.”
Surrey Police announced on Wednesday they do not have enough information to release descriptions of the suspects who raped a woman.

According to the force, the victim, in her 20s, said she was followed and attacked after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.

The attack is believed to have occurred between 2am and 4am on Saturday outside Epsom Methodist Church in Ashley Road.

During Wednesday’s demonstration, a letter was read out in which a resident asked for more information and reassurance from the police after the assault, particularly on whether any suspects had been identified and detained and if there was still a risk to the public.

The group also blocked the road, causing disruption to motorists, before leaving the scene at around 8pm, according to police.

East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “There was a significant police presence in Epsom town centre this evening to support the group’s right to lawful protest and minimise disruption to the local community.

“I appreciate that this may have caused concern to people in the town centre, and I would like to reassure you that our priority was to ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the safety of those involved in the protest.

“I also appreciate that there was some disruption in the town centre while the protest was taking place and I would like to thank all those affected for their patience.

“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.”
Ms Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, condemned the violence and told people involved in the protest who are not from the area to stay away.

She posted on X: “While I support peaceful protest and understand that members of our community are rightly angry after the appalling assault on a young woman, those who are turning to disruption and intimidation cannot be allowed to do so.

“Behaviour such as damaging police vehicles, blocking key roads, and intimidating officers is completely unacceptable.

She stressed that the victim was being supported by specialist police officers and that Surrey Police were “working hard” to catch the perpetrators.

“If you want justice for this young woman, the best thing you can do is let the police do their work,” she added.

“Epsom is a compassionate and united community.

Let’s show it.”
She later said: “I've just left the 'Service of Hope' at Epsom Methodist Church, a really moving time of solidarity that was a beautiful reminder of what this community truly stands for.

“It only reinforces my dismay at the agitators and far-right voices fanning the flames of division online.

I once again urge the public to allow Surrey Police the time and space they need to investigate, and not spread disinformation.

That is how we get justice for this young woman.”
Police officers remained in the town centre on Wednesday evening.

The force urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects in an earlier update, saying it did not have enough information to provide descriptions.

Merseyside Police were criticised for not revealing the ethnicity of Axel Rudakubana when he was arrested on suspicion of murder after he killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.

Within hours of the attack, posts on the internet claimed the suspect was a 17-year-old asylum seeker who had come to the country by boat.

Garrington Property Finders named Epsom the 12th most desirable place to live in England and Wales in its 2026 list.

Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident outside the church have been urged to contact Surrey Police quoting reference number PR/45260041426.

Information can also be provided anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or using the online form.