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Five Arrested Amidst Epsom Asylum Seeker Hotel Protests
23 Apr
Summary
- Five individuals aged 15-23 arrested for public order offenses.
- Protests targeted hotels and homes based on false asylum seeker claims.
- Police found no evidence of a reported rape outside Epsom Methodist Church.
Protests in Epsom, initially linked to an alleged rape, have led to multiple arrests. Five individuals, ranging from 15 to 23 years old and from Surrey and London, were arrested for public order offenses. Two of these individuals, a 15-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man, also face charges of criminal damage.
The demonstrations targeted local hotels and residential properties, fueled by "wholly inaccurate information" that they were housing asylum seekers. Authorities have since clarified that these claims were unfounded. The initial allegations of a rape outside Epsom Methodist Church on April 11, 2026, have also been investigated, with police finding "no evidence" of the incident as reported.
Objects were reportedly thrown at officers during the disorder, prompting police to review footage for further identification of those involved. All five arrested individuals have been released on bail. Police continue their efforts to identify any further individuals responsible for the unrest and damage.
