Two boys were arrested and a heavy police presence put in place after a serious sexual assault took place in Epsom last night (Saturday, September 19).

The assault took place near to the Ye Olde Kings Head pub on Church Street in Epsom, sometime before 9.30pm when Surrey Police were called by nearby members of the public, some of whom are believed to have witnessed what happened directly.

A spokesperson for the county police force said that they were maintaining a "high presence" with officers stationed in Epsom, while a cordon around the scene of the incident on Church Street has been sealed off.

Two boys, both under the age of 16, were arrested in the immediate wake of the assault, police said.

Providing further details of what happened, a spokesperson for Surrey Police said:

"Officers were called around 9:30pm following reports of members of the public witnessing a sexual assault against a young woman.

"Following the public’s concerns, the suspects were detained close to Ashley Road and then arrested when our officers arrived shortly after.

"The two suspects, both boys under the age of 16 are currently in custody.

"The scene has been sealed off and a cordon is expected to remain in place until further notice."

Detective Inspector Andy Skoglund meanwhile thanked the "many witnesses" and members of the public who he said had helped the victim in the immediate aftermath of the assault.

"We have spoken to many witnesses already who were predominately outside the Ye Olde Kings Head Pub on Church Street but looking to anyone who may have any more information to get in contact with us.

"If you have any dashcam or CCTV footage of Church Street, Rosebery Park, Heathcote Road, Downside or St Martin’s Avenue taken around that time you may be able to really help us with this investigation," he said.

"Local residents will see us on scene for the remainder of the day whilst we carry out our enquiries and may notice an increased police presence over the next couple of days.

"This is nothing to be concerned out and we ask that you please respect the cordons that are in place," DI Skoglund added.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward as they continue to investigate what happened.

If you can help, call Surrey Police on 101 or click here and quote reference number PR/45200099914, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.