Three Men Charged in Surbiton Teen Sexual Assault Case

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Three men have been charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in Surbiton, London, prompting a continued police presence as investigations proceed.

Metropolitan Police were called shortly after 7 am on Thursday, August 21, following reports of a serious attack in Fishponds Park, a public green space in Surbiton. Emergency services attended, and the teenager was provided with immediate support. Specialist officers are assisting the victim and her family.

Vladas Rupeika, 35, of Epsom, was charged with rape on Friday, August 22. He appeared before Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

Nerijus Venckus, 36, of Surbiton, faces charges of rape and assault by penetration, also filed on Friday. He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody.

Peter Hoppe, 41, of Tolworth, was charged with oral rape. He appeared before Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody.

A fourth man, aged 24, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence on the day of the incident, August 21. Police later confirmed he has been released under investigation as inquiries continue.

The Metropolitan Police have increased patrols around Fishponds Park and the surrounding areas to reassure the community and assist ongoing investigations. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage, gathering evidence, and appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

“This is an ongoing investigation, and residents may notice an increased police presence in the area over the coming days,” a spokesperson for the Met Police said. “Our priority is the safety and welfare of the victim and the community.”

Local authorities emphasised that the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that the judicial process remains at an early stage. The case has been reported locally due to the nature of the allegations and the number of individuals involved.

Fishponds Park is a public area in Surbiton, and authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting information promptly to assist the investigation. Police have assured residents that public safety remains a priority as inquiries continue.