Four men have been arrested on suspicion of multiple sexual offences, including rape, following reports of a teenage girl being assaulted at Fishponds Park in Surbiton, south west London.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to the scene at 7.13am yesterday (21 August) after receiving reports of a serious sexual assault. A crime scene was immediately established at the popular community park, with forensic teams conducting extensive searches throughout the day.
The four suspects, aged between 24 and 41, were arrested on various charges including rape, sexual assault, and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence. All remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Details of the Arrests
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence. Three other men face more serious charges.
A 35-year-old man and a 36-year-old man were each arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that specialist officers are providing support to the teenage victim, whose exact age has not been disclosed for privacy reasons. The teenage girl is being supported by specialist officers,” a police spokesperson said.
Community Concerns and Police Response
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Surbiton community, known for being one of Kingston upon Thames’ safer neighbourhoods. Local residents reported seeing a significant police presence at the park from the early hours, with entrances cordoned off to the public.
We understand this news is concerning for the community and we will be increasing patrols in the area,” the Met spokesperson added, seeking to reassure local residents about their safety.
Fishponds Park, a small municipal park managed by Kingston Council, is typically considered a peaceful community space. The park features two ponds, woodland areas, a community orchard and garden, and meadow spaces that attract families and nature enthusiasts.
Specialist Support for Sexual Assault Victims
The Metropolitan Police’s approach to sexual assault investigations involves specially trained officers who understand the sensitive and invasive nature of such crimes. These specialist units are trained to investigate sexual assaults with respect for both victims’ rights and the accused.
Support services work alongside detectives to provide information, assistance, and referrals to victims and their families during investigations. This includes help with accessing the Crime Victim Compensation Programme and other support services.
Victims of sexual assault in London receive care from specially trained nurses available 24 hours a day at designated hospitals. These healthcare professionals can conduct forensic examinations to collect evidence whilst providing emotional support and medical care.
Crime Context in Surbiton
Kingston upon Thames, which includes Surbiton, is statistically among the top 10 safest boroughs in London. The overall crime rate in Kingston upon Thames in 2025 stands at 60 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 22 per cent lower than London’s average of 76 per 1,000.
The Surbiton area typically experiences low to medium crime levels, with annual total crime rates of approximately 22.6 crimes per thousand residents in some neighbourhoods. This makes yesterday’s incident particularly shocking for a community unaccustomed to serious violent crime.
Recent crime statistics for the broader Kingston area show that whilst violence and sexual offences do occur, they represent 3,517 offences during 2025 across the entire borough, giving a crime rate of 18 per 1,000 population.
Investigation Continues
Forensic teams continue their meticulous work at Fishponds Park, with the crime scene remaining active. The nature of the charges, particularly those relating to administering substances with intent, suggests investigators are examining whether the victim was drugged before the assault.
The Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in or near Fishponds Park during the early morning hours of 21 August. Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.
“We are working to establish the full circumstances of what occurred,” sources close to the investigation indicated. The involvement of four suspects and the serious nature of the charges suggest this is a complex investigation requiring extensive forensic analysis.
Support for Victims
The case highlights the importance of specialist support services available to sexual assault victims in London. The Metropolitan Police work with partner organisations in the violence against women and girls charity sector to ensure comprehensive support.
Victims receive assistance from specialist teams who act as liaisons between investigating detectives and survivors. These specialists provide ongoing emotional support, case updates, information about victims’ rights, and referrals to appropriate counselling services.
For anyone affected by sexual assault, support is available 24/7 through various channels, including Victim Support services and specialist sexual assault referral centres across London.
Community Safety Measures
In response to the incident, local police have announced increased patrols around Fishponds Park and the wider Surbiton area. The Surbiton Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team, which covers the area, works closely with local authorities and community leaders to address safety concerns.
Kingston Council, which manages Fishponds Park, will likely review security measures in consultation with police and the Friends of Fishponds community group. The park’s active volunteer community regularly maintains the space and promotes its safe use.
Local residents are being advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. The Met emphasises that whilst this incident is deeply concerning, Surbiton remains a relatively safe area with strong community policing.
Moving Forward
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on supporting the victim and ensuring a thorough investigation. The serious nature of the charges and the ages of those involved underscore the gravity of the case.
The Metropolitan Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them urgently. In particular, they are seeking witnesses who may have been in the Fishponds Park area during the early morning hours of 21 August.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the critical role of specialist police units in investigating sexual offences. The swift arrest of four suspects demonstrates the seriousness with which such crimes are treated by law enforcement.
For the Surbiton community, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and low crime rates, this incident represents a troubling departure from the norm. However, the robust police response and increased patrols aim to restore confidence in public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
