Surrey Police have confirmed that the rape allegations that sparked protests in Epsom were based on a confused report made by a woman after she sustained an accidental head injury. The force initially said they received a report that a group of men followed a woman in her 20s from Labyrinth Epsom nightclub in the early hours of April 11, before she was allegedly assaulted outside Epsom Methodist Church.
An appeal for witnesses was issued, but last week officers stated they were not releasing details about suspects due to a lack of 'sufficient information'. In response, hundreds of protesters gathered in Epsom town centre, demanding descriptions of those involved. Clashes occurred, with eggs and beer cans thrown at police.
On Thursday evening, police said it had 'become clear' that the woman 'sustained an accidental head injury prior to making a confused report'. A thorough investigation, including extensive CCTV examination, house-to-house enquiries, witness interviews, and forensic tests, concluded that no sexual offence occurred. The woman has given permission for this information to be shared and continues to be supported by relevant services.
Community leaders, police, and clergy attended the 'Hope for Epsom' service on Thursday, where Reverend Catherine Hutton led a message of love and hope. A specially commissioned song of hope was sung, and attendees laid stones at the church.
A Surrey Police spokesperson stated: 'We take every report of sexual offending seriously... At the early stages, we issued an appeal for witnesses... We recognise this caused concern... We are now confident that there was no offence, and there were no suspects.' Local officers will maintain a visible presence in Epsom in the coming days.
