Police have found “no evidence” of an alleged rape in Epsom – nor any “involvement of asylum seekers”.
Detectives who are investigating reports of the assault which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning have “not found any evidence of the offence as reported”.
The rape is believed to have taken place outside Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road between 2am and 4am after the victim was followed by several men following her departure from Labyrinth nightclub.
The police confirmed they have also not found “any evidence that asylum seekers or immigrants were involved”, Surrey Police said.
Earlier this week, protests engulfed the Surrey town after the gang-rape was first reported to emergency services.
On Wednesday afternoon, a group of furious demonstrators gathered in the town demanding the descriptions of the men involved in the reported crime from the police.
Dozens of officers wore helmets and brandished shields, while footage showed objects being catapulted at the police. No arrests were made.
In a statement today, the force said: “There has been much speculation about the non-release of a description of any suspects, especially regarding the ethnicity.
Police have found ‘no evidence’ of the alleged rape
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“No descriptions have been released as the information about the incident and potential suspects is so limited.
“To address the specific commentary, there is no evidence that asylum seekers or immigrants were involved.”
Assistant Chief Constable for local policing Sarah Grahame added that, after reviewing CCTV, carrying out forensic investigations as well as speaking to witnesses, the force had “not found any evidence of the offence as reported”.
Footage of the protest captured participants disrupting drivers by blocking the road. The event came to a close at around 8pm.
The nightclub is fewer than 100 yards from the church
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In the wake of the protest, a local church minister condemned the “intimidating” gatherine outside the place of worship.
The Rev Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist church said locals were “shocked and appalled” by the alleged crime.
She said: “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that, and that is why we are having an act of hope for the community so we can stand together and declare we are good people.”
The church went on to hold a “Hope for Epsom” event a day later on Thursday, encouraging people to unite in “love and grace”.
In response to Wednesday’s protest, Surrey Police advised they “do not have sufficient information” to release the suspects’ descriptions – despite understanding the “distress and concern” for both the victim and local communities.
At the time, East Surrey Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman said: “I understand the distress and concern that this incident has caused, both for the victim herself and amongst our local communities.
“I want you to reassure you that we are working hard to progress this investigation.
“While we have already carried out extensive enquiries, we do not have sufficient information at this time to update you with the descriptions of the suspects.”