Passers-by who intervened as a “dangerous predator” raped a woman in Leatherhead have been praised after the attacker was jailed this week.

The 32-year-old woman was walking along on the pavement in Kingston Road, at around 10.30pm on April 13 this year, before Eddie Stancombe approached and orally raped her.

Two members of the public spotted the ongoing incident they then challenged the 27-year-old, who later ran away.

A passing taxi driver also stopped to help before police officers rushed to the scene.

Four days after Stancombe was identified on a national database following early forensic analysis, he was arrested at an address in Leatherhead.

Stancombe, of Randalls Crescent, was found guilty of rape following a trial at Guildford Crown Court today (December 11) and was sentenced to six years in prison.

The two members of the public, who have not been named, will be given the Sherrifs Award and given £350 for their efforts.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Andy Salter from Surrey Police’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT), said: “This incident has left the victim incredibly traumatised and had a huge impact on her life.

“Eddie Stancombe is essentially a dangerous predator who took advantage of the situation and we are glad he is now off the streets.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case who has shown tremendous courage throughout the investigation and the court case.

“The actions of those passers-by cannot be underestimated and what we will never know is what else Stancombe may have gone on to do.

“It is truly humbling that despite what is often said about the state of our society, there are many people who are willing to do the right thing in challenging circumstances.

“As far as the investigation goes, this was a team effort with response officers playing their part in recognising Stancombe, fast time forensics results allowing us to arrest him, and the dedication by many officers in the SPOT, including the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Siohban Parker.”