Epping police set restrictions ahead of expected protest tonight
Officers say people wearing face coverings will be ordered to remove them and those refusing will be arrested under public order powers
Last updated 24th Jul 2025
Police in Epping say anyone planning to protest tonight (Thursday 24 July 2025) must follow strict rules, after violence at a previous demonstration outside the Bell Hotel.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “We know there are more plans for protest in Epping tonight, We’ve got a really robust plan in place for this, to protect the people of Epping against anyone who turns up to commit crime and violent disorder.”
A ban on face coverings will be enforced under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. “If you wear one, we’ll order you to take it off. If you don’t take it off, you’ll be arrested,” Hooper said.
Officers will also use powers under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to restrict where and how people can assemble. Designated protest areas have been set up opposite the Bell Hotel and near the Civic Centre. Once someone moves between those areas, they will not be allowed to return. Police say all protest activity must end by 10pm.
The force have also shared details of their rules on their website.
The measures follow violence at a protest last week. What began as a peaceful gathering escalated, with missiles thrown at officers and police vehicles damaged. Eight officers were injured. Essex Police arrested 16 people and have since charged six, including a 34-year-old man from Harlow, who faces charges of theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon.
Another man in his 20s was arrested in Harlow on Wednesday on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody.
Police are continuing to investigate and say more arrests will follow. “Put simply, if you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won’t get away with it,” Hooper said.
Detectives want to speak to two more men in connection with the violence and have released descriptions. Officers are no longer seeking a third man who has since been arrested.
The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August.