Continued appeal for information after rape in Merstham

We are continuing to appeal for information after reports of a woman being raped in Merstham overnight on Thursday, 16 June.

The woman was walking through the grass area between Nutfield Road and Battlebridge Lane (known as Crossways Rest Gardens), when she was approached by three men sometime between 10pm and 1am. She was then assaulted by two of the three men.

The three suspects are described as:

Suspect 1: 6ft 1in in height, of stocky build with brown hair and a dragon tattoo on his left arm. He spoke with an Eastern European accent and was wearing a blue shirt and light grey jogging trousers

Suspect 2: 5ft 11in in height, of slim build with brown/black hair and a mole on the right side of his nose. He was wearing a white t-shirt, light grey jogging trousers and light blue shoes, possibly Nike Air Force trainers

Suspect 3: Blonde hair and possibly wearing a black t-shirt

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have information including CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage of the area to get in contact. This includes anyone who may recognise the descriptions given.

Detective Inspector Mark Butterworth said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area between 10pm and 1am, or may have CCTV footage of the area between those times which cover before the incident happened, and after. We are also keen to speak to anyone who may recognise the description of the suspects.

“If you think you can help with our investigation, please get in contact with us.”

Detective Inspector Alex Maguire, Borough Commander for Reigate and Banstead, said: “I understand the community of Merstham will be incredibly worried by this incident.

“Officers are doing everything possible to investigate the incident and will have a continued presence in the area whilst they continue to carry out enquiries. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to one of our officers.”

If you can help, please contact us quoting crime reference number PR/45220064105 via:

- Webchat on our website surrey.police.uk

- Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

- Calling us on 101

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.