Surrey Police Close Epsom Rape Investigation After Determining No Offence Occurred

Surrey Police are closing their investigation into reports of a rape outside a church in Epsom, stating they are "confident there was no offence" after a "thorough investigation."

The force received a report on Saturday 11 April that a woman had been raped near a church in the early hours of the morning after leaving Labyrinth nightclub in Epsom. However, after conducting CCTV analysis, house-to-house inquiries, witness interviews, and forensic tests, police determined the woman in her 20s suffered an accidental head injury after a night out, leading her to make a confused report.

"At the early stages of this investigation, we issued an appeal for any witnesses or information that could help us progress our inquiries and identify any potential suspects," the force said in a statement. "There was a lack of information in our initial appeal particularly regarding potential persons of interest. This was because the descriptions given were vague and limited."

"We recognise this caused concern among the community. We are now confident that there was no offence, and there were no suspects."

The investigation sparked public anger, with protests occurring in the town. On Monday, eggs and beer cans were thrown at police during clashes between officers and protesters. Four people were arrested after items were thrown at police in riot gear, and one man attempted to climb on top of a police van.

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend condemned the disorder as "shameful." She noted some of those involved had travelled from elsewhere to cause trouble.

"I am a firm believer in people's right to lawful protest, but sadly, some of those present in Epsom yesterday stepped way beyond that line and the type of behaviour we witnessed will not be tolerated," she said.

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