Four arrested as protest over alleged rape turns violent

LocalPolitics
21 Apr 2026 • 3:36 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Four arrested as protest over alleged rape turns violent

  • Four people were arrested during a protest in Epsom that escalated to public disorder, with eggs and beer cans thrown at officers.
  • The demonstration was fuelled by unsubstantiated claims that immigrants or asylum seekers were involved in an alleged rape outside a church.
  • Surrey Police said they “have not found any evidence that the offence took place as reported”, nor any evidence linking immigrants or asylum seekers to the incident.
  • Officers surrounded a residential property and hotels targeted by protesters, clarifying that these locations do not house asylum seekers.
  • Surrey Police warned they would take robust action against anyone committing criminal offences during the protests and confirmed an increased police presence in the town.

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