Surrey Communities On Alert Over Drive-By Liquid Attacks
A Growing Concern Across Our Neighbourhoods
Residents across Surrey are being urged to stay vigilant following a disturbing series of incidents where pedestrians have been deliberately targeted with liquid squirted from passing vehicles. The most recent attack occurred on College Road in Epsom last Thursday evening, when a jogger was struck in the face by liquid—believed to be water—from a bottle wielded by a passenger in a black Audi. This latest incident marks an escalation in behaviour that has plagued our local communities for weeks. Surrey Police confirms this isn’t an isolated case but part of a wider pattern spanning from Cobham to Elmbridge, with reports dating back to May. The attacks have occurred across our most familiar routes—Esher Road near the Molesey Road roundabout, Leigh Corner, and Tilt Road—places where many of us walk, jog, or cycle regularly. Inspector Chris Thoday emphasised that such behaviour is “completely unacceptable,” noting that injuries have been reported in some incidents. For those of us navigating these neighbourhood streets daily, the news raises genuine safety concerns about what was once considered routine outdoor activity.
Who’s Affected and Why Local Vigilance Matters
These attacks are hitting our everyday community members—joggers, pedestrians, and commuters who simply want to move safely through their neighbourhoods. Young professionals training for local running clubs, parents walking children to school, and cyclists heading to work have all become potential targets. The incidents span multiple locations that many residents navigate regularly, from the shopping areas around Molesey Road to the quieter residential streets where families feel they should be safe. Local business owners and shop workers along these routes are also concerned about the broader safety implications for their customers and staff. Community groups and neighbourhood watch organisations across Epsom, Elmbridge, and Cobham are now coordinating awareness efforts. What makes this particularly troubling is the deliberate nature of these attacks—perpetrators are actively slowing vehicles to target people. Surrey Police are treating these as serious criminal matters, and they’re urging anyone with dashcam footage or vehicle information to come forward immediately. Residents should remain alert, travel in groups when possible, and report suspicious vehicle activity. The black Audi and black SUV descriptions are crucial; if you spot matching vehicles with occupants behaving suspiciously, contact police non-emergency lines without delay.
What Residents Should Do Now and What Comes Next
As investigations continue across our community, there are concrete steps each of us can take to help solve these crimes and protect our neighbourhoods. If you’ve witnessed any suspicious activity on College Road, Esher Road, Leigh Corner, or Tilt Road—or anywhere else locally—contact Surrey Police with descriptions of vehicles, registration plates, and times. Dashcam footage from your car or doorbell cameras could prove vital evidence. When working on home improvements—such as a loft conversion or loft refurbishment project—ensure contractors like Guildford builders maintain awareness of neighbourhood safety concerns. Community networks matter now more than ever; share information through neighbourhood WhatsApp groups and local Facebook pages while urging people not to speculate wildly. Vary your daily routes where possible, and consider whether evening jogging should be done in populated areas with good lighting. Schools and community centres should brief young people about the incidents. Surrey Police encourage anyone with information to contact them via their non-emergency number or through Crime Stoppers anonymously. The investigation remains active, and officers are reviewing CCTV footage from affected areas. We should expect increased police presence in these neighbourhoods as they work to identify and apprehend those responsible. Unity and information-sharing—hallmarks of strong communities like ours—will be essential to bringing this to a swift resolution.
Source: Pedestrians targeted with liquid from passing cars in Surrey
