Suspects still unknown after rape outside church

Police are yet to identify a group of men who raped a woman outside a church in Surrey, four days after the incident.

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

Surrey Police said it still did not have "sufficient information" to release descriptions of the men involved.

The force is continuing to appeal for witnesses.

On Wednesday, footage posted on social media showed a crowd of protesters gathered in the town centre.

Dozens of police officers could be seen wearing helmets and holding shields, and it appeared objects were being thrown at them.

The force has stepped up patrols in the area and the increased police presence will continue over the weekend.

Ch Supt Mark Chapman said he understood the "distress and concern" the incident had caused, both to the victim and communities.

He said: "While we have already carried out extensive enquiries, we do not have sufficient information at this time to update you with the descriptions of the suspects.

"I appreciate that this causes increased concern, and I can assure you that we will update you with these descriptions as soon as we are able to do so."

He urged people not to speculate about the descriptions of the suspects and said: "This may lead to additional tensions within our local communities."

The force said it was reviewing CCTV in the area to build a picture of the moments leading up to the incident.

Epsom MP Helen Maguire previously said she was "appalled" by the incident, while residents in the area said they were "shocked and surprised" by the alleged attack.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a woman in distress in the area of Ashley Road between 02:00 BST and 04:00 on Saturday.

Ch Supt Chapman said he was urging anyone with information to come forward "as a matter of urgency".

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