Town left in shock by appalling rape outside church

Police are still trying to identify several men who raped a woman outside an Epsom church in an attack that has left the town in shock.

The woman, in her 20s, was followed after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub and attacked outside Epsom Methodist Church in the early hours on Saturday.

Epsom MP Helen Maguire said it had "understandably caused real distress" in the town, adding: "My heart goes out to the young woman at the centre of this deeply distressing incident."

"The most important thing is that Surrey Police can carry out their investigation thoroughly, and without interference," Maguire added.

Surrey Police said it did not have full descriptions of suspects at this stage, but that it was "working at pace" to identify the men.

Maguire said that the incident "hits close to home in every sense".

She also urged the public to "refrain from speculation, particularly online".

In Epsom, residents said they were shocked and surprised by the incident.

Tessa Robson said: "I thought it was outrageous. Women should be able to walk the streets at any time of the day or night freely and without the risk of knowing we could be attacked so brutally, by men or anyone else."

Meanwhile, Reverend Dr Jonathan Dean, chair of the London Methodist District which oversees Epsom Methodist Church, said he was "shocked and heartbroken" by the incident outside the building.

He added that the church community would "hold all those affected in our hearts and prayers, and continue to offer space and support to the local community".

Surrey Police said: "We understand this will be extremely concerning for both the victim and the local community, and our officers have been conducting extensive inquiries this weekend to progress this investigation."

Det Insp Aine Matthews said that the investigation was still in its early stages, but that officers would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Ashley Road, Epsom, between 02:00 BST and 04:00, or who may have seen or spoken to a "woman in her 20s in distress".

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force.

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