Surrey Police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses following a gang rape outside an Epsom place of worship during the early hours of Saturday morning, with detectives working “at pace” to identify suspects who followed their victim from a nearby nightclub.
Officers are seeking anyone who encountered a distressed woman in her twenties between 2am and 4am near Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road, with the vile attack occurring in the heart of the town’s nightlife district after the victim departed a venue on Spread Eagle Walk.
Detective Inspector Aine Matthews confirmed the victim is receiving specialist support whilst extensive enquiries continue: “We understand this is an extremely distressing incident. Our investigation is in its early stages and a team of officers have been conducting extensive enquiries today to identify and locate the suspects.”
The attack unfolded within a minute’s walk of Labyrinth nightclub—Epsom’s self-described “biggest night out”—with the church located amongst bustling high street bars and clubs whilst being neighboured by two children’s nurseries.
Police believe several men pursued the woman after she left the Spread Eagle Walk nightclub before assaulting her outside the Methodist Church, with the incident highlighting vulnerabilities within the town centre’s concentrated nightlife economy.
DI Matthews encouraged public engagement: “Officers remain in the area and I encourage you to speak with them if you have any concerns. We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 2am and 4am and may have seen or spoken to a woman in her 20s in distress.”
Labyrinth occupies a three-room venue featuring themed spaces called “Botanic,” “The Vault” and “Dirty Disco” within the Grade II-listed Spread Eagle Hotel building, having replaced the former Fever & Boutique Nightclub late last year.
The location sits at Epsom’s nightlife epicentre, with Spread Eagle Walk housing a wellness centre, gym and patisserie alongside the club, whilst nearby Waterloo Road hosts Rhythms Nightclub and Upper High Street’s Cave venue.
Surrey Police requested anyone possessing information or dashcam footage contact them quoting PR/45260041426 through private message or online forms, whilst those preferring anonymity can reach Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The force spokesman emphasised: “If you witnessed this incident, or have any dashcam footage of the area at the time, please contact us.”
The investigation continues as officers develop their understanding of the suspects’ identities, with details to be shared publicly once available.
