Police Commissioner thanks community after Epsom rape investigation ends with no offence found
Lisa Townsend also said the situation was exploited by some who 'used legitimate concerns to push a far more sinister narrative'
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Lisa Townsend, has expressed gratitude towards the community of Epsom for their patience and understanding following the closure of a rape investigation, with no offence having been identified.
Surrey Police announced yesterday that they had concluded their investigation after a woman reporting rape was later found to have suffered an accidental head injury during a night out on 11th April.
Officers said she had made a 'confused report.'
The woman continues to receive support from relevant services.
PCC Townsend said: "We understand the last two weeks have been trying for many and appreciate the patience and understanding shown,"
She acknowledged the community’s concerns and hoped the closure of the investigation would bring reassurance.
Townsend highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken by Surrey Police, including CCTV analysis, gathering witness statements, and obtaining forensic evidence.
“I know much has been said about the information police have put into the public domain as this case progressed and there are of course always lessons to be learnt.
“As I am sure people will appreciate, as the evidence began to point in a certain direction, it would not have been appropriate to provide a running commentary on the investigation at such a delicate stage until all enquiries had been completed and the conclusion reached.
“Sadly, this situation was exploited by some who used legitimate concerns local residents may have had around the safety of women and girls in our communities to push a far more sinister narrative.
“Instead of exercising some degree of patience and restraint and letting the police do their job to establish the facts, we had numerous social media commentators, politicians and ‘experts’ lining up to give their theories on a case they had limited knowledge of. Many of them quite frankly should know better.
“There were some accusations that Surrey Police were withholding descriptions or CCTV images due to the ethnicity of the suspects which were plain wrong. If it were true – as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county I would have been the first to shout about this.
“This speculation and misinformation were the pre-cursor to the appalling scenes of disorder we witnessed in the town earlier and I know that the police investigation into that is continuing.
“The safety of women and girls in all our communities in Surrey has always been one of my key priorities as Commissioner and something I will continue to advocate for during the rest of my tenure. The seriousness with which Surrey Police treated this allegation demonstrates that they share that commitment.”