Violent Epsom protests over alleged rape case condemned as ‘shameful’

LocalPolitics
21 Apr 2026 • 10:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Violent Epsom protests over alleged rape case condemned as ‘shameful’

  • Protests in Epsom, Surrey, saw eggs and beer cans thrown at police during unrest concerning a disputed rape investigation.
  • Four individuals were arrested following the clashes, which marked the second protest in the town after a woman reported being raped on 11 April.
  • Surrey police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend condemned the "shameful" scenes, stating some involved were not local and had travelled to Epsom to cause trouble.
  • Public anger stemmed from the police not releasing the ethnicity of potential suspects, though the force stated information was limited and repeatedly denied immigrant or asylum seeker involvement.
  • Ms Townsend highlighted that misinformation spread online contributed to the disorder, urging those intent on stirring trouble to stay away from Epsom.

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