Third arrest made after Epping disturbances

A third arrest has been made after disturbances in Epping on Thursday evening.

A group of people disrupted a residents’ protest outside The Bell Hotel in the High Road.

Police say an investigation to identify those who caused disorder in the town is continuing.

A 33-year-old man from Loughton was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and criminal damage.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:

"The events in Epping on Thursday were shocking and have no place in our neighbourhoods.

"We understand the concerns of the local community and support everyone’s right to peaceful protest.

"Unfortunately, across social media we are seeing inflammatory comments which suggest we were supporting and enabling certain protestors.

"This is categorically not true. We police without fear or favour, remaining impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.

"Our priority during the policing of this incident was the safety of everyone there, we used tried and tested public order tactics to achieve this.

"This included keeping opposing protestors apart to avoid violence.The early protest was peaceful, with people expressing their views.

"We will continue to support people to do this, but we will not tolerate anyone who comes with the intent to commit crime or who resort to crime because others present take a different view to them.

"Officers will act robustly and swiftly towards anyone intent on disrupting the local community’s right to have their voices heard."