Essex Police thank peaceful protestors after further Epping demo
Just one arrest was made at the protest
A further protest about the housing of asylum seekers at Epping's Bell Hotel passed-off peacefully last night, with no repeat of violent scenes seen last week.
Essex Police tell us that just one arrest was made, an 18 year old made detained on suspicion of wearing a face covering in contravention of a Section 60AA order that bans that being in place.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “I want to thank all those who protested peacefully this evening.
“We put a number of measures in place to ensure you could express your democratic right peacefully, lawfully, and safely.
“That is our role and it is one we take very seriously.
“As I have consistently said, we will not tolerate anyone who believes they can come here to commit crime and disorder. If you think you can, we will deal with you.
“We had robust plans in place this evening to ensure people could demonstrate peacefully and to ensure they, and the wider community, are kept safe.”
The force says an initial protest took place outside the hotel and then a group was escorted to the town centre for their safety for a further demonstration at the civic centre where a council meeting was taking place.
That saw praise for police from members of the local authority.
Councillor Craig McCann said: “I’d like to thank Essex Police and other mutual aid constabularies for all they have done to keep us safe and protect democratic rights.”
Councillor Chidi Nweke said: “I would like to express thanks to police for working hard to keep streets safe”.
Elsewhere a 43 year old Epping man was detained yesterday over the violence on 17th July, he's in police custody - that brings the total to 18, with seven charges as part of the ongoing investigation.
The latest person to be charged is 28 year old Aaron Elles from The Lawn in Harlow, who'll appear at Chelmsford Magistrates today accused of violent disorder.