Six people have been arrested as a protest about a migrant hotel escalated into “mindless thuggery”. More than 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on Sunday evening, with some chanting “save our kids”. Some set off flares in blue and red, while others brandished signs which read “deport foreign criminals”, “we go home when they go back” and “defend our girls”. Bottles and smoke flares were later lobbed towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel on the High Road.
Essex Police said six people have been arrested so far. Four of those were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with offences alleged to have happened at another protest on Thursday (July 17). That protest also turned violent.
A fifth person was arrested with the help of an Essex Police helicopter after one of the force’s unmarked vehicles was damaged.
A woman had to be escorted away from the protest for her own safety, according to police. The force said missiles were thrown at her and a number of protesters shouted abuse and tried to get at her.
Essex Police warned before the protest that officers would order demonstrators to remove face coverings when requested under section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
The force said anyone refusing to remove a face mask when asked to do so was likely to be arrested and could face prison if convicted.
Chief Supt Simon Anslow said: “Disappointingly, we have seen yet another protest, which begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle.
“For anyone who thinks we will tolerate their thuggery – think again.”
Mr Anslow also sought to set the record straight around misinformation that Essex Police is anything other than impartial.
He said: “We don’t take sides, we arrest criminals and we have a duty to ensure no-one is hurt – plain and simple.
“I know the people of Essex know what we’re about so I know they won’t believe the rubbish circulating online that is designed to do nothing more than inflame tensions and trouble.
“I think I speak for all of us – including the people of Epping – when I say we’ve had enough of your criminality.
“But our cells, which have been filling up throughout the evening, are ready for you, so don’t be in any doubt that this is where you will be sleeping.”
It comes after a man was charged with violent disorder and criminal damage on Sunday afternoon following previous clashes outside the hotel.
Eight police officers were injured after what started as a peaceful protest on Thursday evening. Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, was arrested on Saturday, according to Essex Police.
The force said on Sunday that the CPS had authorised police to charge Silk with one count of violent disorder and one count of criminal damage. He was remanded into custody and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Thursday’s demonstration was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.