Surrey Police said demonstrators gathered on a residential street on Monday evening, where officers in public order gear were deployed after eggs and beer cans were thrown. One individual was also seen attempting to climb onto a police van.
The protest followed a report that a woman in her 20s had been followed and raped outside Epsom Methodist Church in the early hours of Saturday, 11th April, after leaving a nearby nightclub. Police said extensive enquiries are ongoing, including CCTV review, forensic work and house-to-house checks.
In an update posted on the Epsom and Ewell Beat Facebook page on Monday evening, the force said: "Police are in attendance at an organised protest in Epsom which has escalated to public disorder, including missiles being thrown at them. "Officers have surrounded a residential property and nearby hotels after they were targeted by protesters purporting that they were locations housing those seeking asylum.
"This is not the case and is wholly inaccurate information. The escalating behaviour of some of the protesters and the threat to officer safety has required officers to put on full protective public order uniform."
It added that an increased presence will remain in the area as investigations continue and efforts are made to reassure the local community.
Last week, the church’s minister, Rev Catherine Hutton, said she was “shocked and appalled” by the alleged attack, which had caused a “universal outpouring of anger” in the area.
However, she described the subsequent protests as "intimidating" and added: “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that, and that is why we are having an act of hope for the community so we can stand together and declare we are good people.”
A 'Hope for Epsom' service invited people to come together in “love and grace” and was attended by members of the public, together with local community leaders, police and clergy.
