Police have announced tough restrictions ahead of fresh protests in Epping this weekend after a string of violent incidents linked to demonstrations outside the Bell Hotel, which is currently being used as accommodation for migrants. Essex Police confirmed they will impose powers under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, along with a ban on face coverings under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Officers say the measures are necessary to prevent further violence, criminal damage, and disruption after four previous protests — on July 13, 17, 20, and 24 — escalated into serious disorder involving more than 300 people, with officers assaulted, missiles thrown, and arrests made. The Bell Hotel has been a repeated flashpoint with windows smashed, graffiti sprayed, and Heras fencing has now been erected to protect the premises. Residents and hotel staff have reported harassment, with one person injured while being chased back to the building.
Police say conditions for protestors and counter-protestors will now be tightly controlled, with rival demonstrations restricted to designated zones directly opposite the hotel and ordered to end by 8pm on Sunday, July 27.
Officers have also imposed strict route limitations on processions, with certain roads around the High Street and Bell Hotel now off-limits.
Those wearing face coverings will be ordered to remove them or face arrest.
Essex Police warned: “If you wear one, we’ll order you to take it off.
“If you don’t take it off, you’ll be arrested.”
The force cited a serious impact on the local community, including blocked access for emergency services, care home staff forced to change travel routes, and reports of elderly residents feeling “trapped” in their homes.
Several businesses have closed on protest days, while a local church cancelled its Sunday evening service last weekend.
Social media activity around the protests has also fuelled tensions, with police citing polarised rhetoric and online misinformation.
A spokesman said: “This level of disruption is not incidental or tolerable within a democratic society.
“It is sustained, significant, and directly attributable to the protest activity.
“The imposition of conditions is therefore justified to protect the rights and freedoms of the wider community.”
Additional officers will be deployed in the area, with a “robust” policing plan in place to deal with anyone intent on causing disruption.