Police issue disorder warning after Epsom rape protest
Following a rally in Epsom over the rape of a woman outside a church by several men, Surrey Police have said it will not tolerate chaos.
After people took to the streets on Wednesday evening to demand that the suspects be identified, riot police were sent on Wednesday night.
Police had only two official statements since Saturday's rape, saying in the second they did not have sufficient data
to issue descriptions before the demonstration and that before the protest, they had only released two official messages since Saturday.
Several times the BBC has contacted Surrey Police to obtain more information about the rape and those responsible.
The assault took place in the early hours outside Epsom Methodist Church, according to the police, after the victim, a woman in her 20s, was chased after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.
This may result in more tensions within our local communities,
The government has urged people not to speculate about the identity of the perpetrators.
Hundreds of police officers were sent to the Epsom High Street demonstration, with photographs from the scene showing people throwing objects at them.
According to the force, the demonstrators also blocked the road, causing traffic jams.
"We respect the right to lawful demonstration and will encourage this wherever it is appropriate to do so.
"However, criminal convictions and public disorder will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take swift action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.
Chapman said significant police presence
on Wednesday helped "support the organisation's right to lawful demonstration and minimise disruption to the local community.
The outraged march
may have caused fear among people in the town center,
According to the officer, the officers' first priority had been to "ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the protection of those involved in the demonstration.
On Thursday, Epsom Methodist Church will hold a community act
aimed at "lifting our voices for women who are vulnerable and all those who have been victimised.
Catherine Hutton, a Catholic, described the attack as horrible and completely shocking but
said the demonstrations were "pretty frightening".
People will have a voice and a positive way
at her church's festival, she said.
Meanwhile, Helen Maguire, an Epsom MP, said right-wing online activists
had hijacked the demonstration in order to "fan the flames of divisiveness.
Officers are also looking for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a woman in pain in the area of Ashley Road between 02:00 and 04:00 BST on Saturday.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, onX, and on Instagram. We're on 08081 002250 to discuss your story ideas. [Social media reacted to] us on 0808.
