Protest at Migrant Hotel Turns Violent, Leading to Arrests and Condemnation

A protest concerning a migrant hotel resulted in six arrests due to escalating violence. Over a hundred demonstrators assembled outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on Sunday evening. Some participants chanted slogans and displayed signs with messages related to deportation and immigration. Flares were ignited, and objects were thrown towards police vehicles guarding the hotel entrance.

Essex Police reported that six individuals were arrested. Four of these arrests were related to violent disorder charges stemming from an earlier protest on Thursday, which also turned violent. A fifth person was apprehended with assistance from a police helicopter after an unmarked police vehicle was damaged. Additionally, a woman was escorted away from the protest for her safety due to threats and abuse from some protesters.

Prior to the demonstration, Essex Police had warned that individuals refusing to remove face coverings when requested under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 could face arrest and potential imprisonment. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow expressed disappointment at the escalation of the protest into violence, highlighting the injury of an officer and damage to a police vehicle. He emphasized that the police would not tolerate such behavior.

Mr. Anslow also addressed misinformation, asserting the police's impartiality and their focus on arresting criminals and ensuring public safety. He stated that the police were prepared to deal with those engaging in criminal activity. This follows the charging of a man with violent disorder and criminal damage on Sunday afternoon, following previous clashes outside the hotel. Eight police officers were injured during the initial peaceful protest on Thursday evening. Keith Silk, 33, was arrested and charged with violent disorder and criminal damage. He was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear in court. The protests have been ongoing since an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault.