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Some in the crowd appeared to throw objects at riot police
Surrey Police has said it "will not tolerate disorder" following a protest in Epsom over the rape of a woman outside a church by several men.
Riot police were deployed on Wednesday evening after people took to the streets demanding a description of the suspects.
Before the protest, police had released just two official statements since Saturday's rape, saying in the second they did not have "sufficient information" to release descriptions.
The BBC has approached Surrey Police several times for more details about the rape and those responsible.
The force said the rape happened in the early hours outside Epsom Methodist Church after the victim, a woman in her 20s, was followed after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.
It has urged people not to speculate about the identity of the suspects, saying: "This may lead to additional tensions within our local communities."
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Questions were asked about whether any suspects had been identified
Dozens of police officers were deployed to the protest on Epsom High Street, with photos from the scene appearing to show people throwing objects at them.
The protesters also blocked the road, causing disruption to motorists, according to the force.
Ch Supt Mark Chapman said: "We respect the right to lawful protest and will facilitate this wherever possible where it is safe to do so.
"However, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated, and we will always take robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence."
Chapman said that Wednesday's "significant police presence" had been to "support the group's right to lawful protest and minimise disruption to the local community".
He said the protest "may have caused concern to people in the town centre", but that officers' priority had been to "ensure the safety of the wider public, as well as the safety of those involved in the protest".
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Police said criminal offences would not be tolerated
Epsom Methodist Church is to hold a "community act" on Thursday, aiming to "raise our voices for women who are vulnerable and all who are victimised".
Reverend Catherine Hutton called the attack "horrifying and completely shocking", but criticised the protest as having been "pretty intimidating".
She added that her church's event would be an outlet for people to express any "feelings of compassion and outrage in a meaningful and positive way".
Meanwhile, Epsom MP Helen Maguire said the protest had been hijacked by "right-wing online activists" who wanted to "fan the flames of divisiveness".
Officers are still appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a woman in distress in the area of Ashley Road between 02:00 and 04:00 BST on Saturday.
