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Epsom Protest Over Rape Report Descends Into Disorder With Four Arrested

False claims about asylum seekers helped turn a call for answers into confrontation.

Overview

  • Surrey Police said a demonstration that began near Epsom station on Monday turned into public disorder, with eggs and beer cans thrown at officers, and four people arrested.
  • Crowds targeted a Travelodge and a nearby home after online claims they housed asylum seekers, which police called wholly inaccurate.
  • Detectives say they have found no evidence so far that the alleged April 11 assault outside Epsom Methodist Church happened as reported, though CCTV, forensic work and house-to-house inquiries continue.
  • Officers have not released suspect descriptions because information is limited, and they urged people to share CCTV, dashcam or helmet-cam footage quoting PR/45260041426.
  • Surrey’s police commissioner and the local MP condemned the disorder and said some participants came from outside the town, while local women described feeling unsafe as the protest moved through Epsom.