Surrey Police are continuing to investigate allegations of a sexual assault reported by a woman in her 20s outside a church in Epsom in the early hours of April 11, while maintaining that there is no evidence the crime occurred as described or that migrants were involved. The force has faced public pressure and protests over their handling of the case, particularly regarding the release of suspect descriptions.

According to the police, the woman reported being followed and attacked by a group of men near Epsom Methodist Church, located on Ashley Road, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Since the report, Surrey Police have conducted extensive inquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, forensic examinations, and interviews with potential witnesses. Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame stated that these investigations have yet to uncover evidence confirming the offense as initially reported.

The incident has sparked controversy and public demonstrations in Epsom town center. On April 15, crowds gathered to demand that the police provide suspect descriptions, including their ethnicities. Some protesters confronted officers, throwing objects such as plant pots, traffic cones, and bottles. Protesters expressed frustration at the police’s limited public disclosures, asserting that releasing descriptions would help the community identify potential threats.

Surrey Police, however, have emphasized that due to the limited information available, they have not released any descriptions. The force specifically addressed speculation about the suspects’ backgrounds, stating that there is no indication asylum seekers or immigrants were involved. The police acknowledged the strong public emotions and frustration surrounding the case but requested patience to allow the investigation to proceed thoroughly.

The situation has also drawn broader attention to police policies on disclosing ethnicity and nationality of suspects. Following previous national debates and government directives to increase transparency—prompted by criticism of earlier cases—the discussion around this case reflects ongoing tensions about information-sharing and community trust.

Local community leaders have reacted to both the incident and the protests. The Rev Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist Church described the alleged attack as “shocking and appalling” and characterized the recent protests as “intimidating” for residents and churchgoers. To foster healing, the church organized a “Hope for Epsom” event, promoting unity and a message of love and peace within the community.

Police have reiterated their commitment to keeping the public informed within the limits of their investigation and urged residents to allow them the necessary time and space to work through the details of the case. The probe remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek any relevant information from the public.