Eight Police Injured in Violent Protests Outside Asylum Seeker Hotel

Protests erupted outside a hotel in Epping, Essex, following the charging of an asylum seeker with sexual assault. Campaigners claim the demos were hijacked by far-right activists, resulting in violence and injuries to police officers. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for several days, turned chaotic as masked men intent on violence intervened. As a result, eight police officers were assaulted, suffering injuries to their hands and neck, as well as cuts. Police vehicles have also been damaged.

Key Takeaways:

• Eight police officers were injured in violent protests outside the hotel housing asylum seekers, with injuries including hand and neck wounds, as well as cuts.
• The protests were sparked by the charging of an asylum seeker with sexual assault, but were allegedly hijacked by far-right activists.
• Campaign group Hope Not Hate identified several far-right activists involved in the protests, which descended into chaos as a result of their intervention.
• A 65-year-old man has been charged with affray in relation to the protests.
• Asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl in Epping and has denied all charges, including sexual assault.
• Police have reported footage being shared on social media that seems to show a police vehicle being driven into a protester, but Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper has expressed uncertainty about the incident due to varying accounts.

Statistics:

• Eight police officers were injured in the protests.
• Two people have been arrested in relation to the demonstrations.
• A 65-year-old man has been charged with affray.
• The protests have been ongoing for several days outside the hotel in Epping, Essex.

Sources:

• Essex Police
• Hope Not Hate