Essex Police have issued an update after one of its vans “made contact” with a protester on Thursday outside a hotel said to be housing migrants. There have been a number of demonstrations outside the building in Epping since officers charged 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge upon appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
There were violent clashes outside the Bell Hotel last night, during which eight police officers were injured. Those hurt sustained cuts, grazes and injuries to their hands. Video footage shared online seemed to show a police vehicle being driven towards a number of protesters in the road, before looking to hit at least one person. A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that the force’s officers attended Epping following a request by Essex Police to support with an ongoing protest and counter-protest.
“On arrival, officers were met with significant hostility from protestors, with police vehicles damaged and officers threatened with violence,” they told the Mirror.
“During their attendance, officers attempted to leave the immediate area due to safety concerns and were subsequently blocked in by the group of protestors using barriers. During this, a police van made contact with one of the protesters.”
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper told the PA news agency the video had been reported to the force, but said they had seen another video “which maybe shows it from a different angle”.
He added: “And I guess the angles and perceptions show a different thing.
“So I’m not sure that exact incident is as it’s been reported in the media.”
The Assistant Chief Constable also vowed to hold criminals to account for “selfish and mindless” violence and vandalism following Thursday’s events.
He added: “Eight of my officers, and not only my officers, we were supported by colleagues from other forces as well, were assaulted last night… and that is absolutely, totally unacceptable.”