Eight police officers assaulted during protest in Epping
Officers were injured and police vans damaged during unrest outside a hotel in Epping believed to be housing asylum seekers
Last updated 18th Jul 2025
Eight police officers were assaulted and police vans damaged during a protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday night, Essex Police has confirmed.
It is the latest demonstration to happen outside the Bell Hotel after a 38-year-old man was accused of sexual assault.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “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.”
He confirmed the officers suffered cuts, grazes and hand injuries.
Mr Hooper said the protest began peacefully but was disrupted by a small number of people: “There were some acts of selfish criminality that took place from a minor minority part of our community or from outside our community.”
“Items were thrown at our officers, our officers were assaulted, and there was some abhorrent language used towards my staff as well that just frankly wasn’t acceptable.”
A man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault during a protest on Sunday. He has since been charged. Another man was arrested later the same day for failing to comply with a dispersal order and remains in custody.
Police confirmed no one entered the hotel during the protest. Mr Hooper said: “There were no reports of anyone actually breaking into the hotel last night.”
Essex Police closed a section of High Road in Epping as a safety measure. Mr Hooper said: “We had enough officers to make sure we dealt with what was going on last night and we’ll continue to make sure we've got the right presence to respond to and support protests within this area.”
He urged people in Epping to remain calm and continue engaging with police: “I’m going to ask for peace and calm. I’m going to ask for the community to talk to us. You’ve got members of our community standing here with me today, talking and understanding and listening to what’s going on.”
He added: “I want everyone to be able to go about their business, whether they live or work or socialise within this area. Most importantly, we’re part of the community. We will be there talking and engaging and making sure that people feel safe.”