Police say they have found “no evidence” to support an alleged rape in Epsom that triggered protests in the town.
Officers began investigating after a woman in her 20s reported she had been followed and attacked between 2am and 4am on Saturday outside a Methodist church on Ashley Road, after leaving Labyrinth nightclub.
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame said officers have reviewed CCTV footage, interviewed potential witnesses, carried out house-to-house enquiries and conducted forensic investigations.
She said: “To date, we have not found any evidence of the offence as reported but the investigation is ongoing.”
Police also addressed speculation circulating online about the identity of potential suspects.
Grahame said officers have not identified any suspects and confirmed there is no evidence linking asylum seekers or immigrants to the reported incident.
She added that no suspect descriptions have been released due to the limited information available.
The case prompted protests in Epsom town centre on Wednesday, where demonstrators gathered demanding more information about those allegedly responsible.
Police deployed officers carrying shields as crowds blocked roads before dispersing later in the evening.
The protest had been promoted online by Danny Tommo, a former associate of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson.
Officers continue to investigate the report.