Unacceptable Attacks on Police Condemned by Keir Starmer as Epping Protest Descends into Violence

Last night, a protest outside a hotel in Epping, Essex, turned violent, with police coming under attack. The demonstration, which was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault, saw over 100 people gather outside the Bell Hotel. Police said an officer was struck in the face with a bottle and taken to hospital, while a woman trying to get through the crowd had missiles thrown at her. The arrests included a 17-year-old male on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a police car.

Key Takeaways:

• Six people have been arrested in connection with the Epping protest, including a 17-year-old male for alleged offences and a 16-year-old male for going equipped to cause criminal damage.
• The protest was sparked by the charging of an asylum seeker with sexual assault, and over 100 people gathered outside the Bell Hotel to demonstrate.
• Police said they have no concern with people who protest peacefully but will not tolerate criminal behaviour, and a Section 35 dispersal order was put in place to prevent further crime or anti-social behaviour.
• An officer from Norfolk was struck in the face by a bottle and taken to hospital, and a woman trying to get through the crowd had missiles thrown at her.
• The Prime Minister's spokesman condemned the attacks on police, saying that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy but unacceptable when police are attacked.
• The Essex Police statement said that officers walked alongside the woman until she left the scene to keep everyone on all sides safe and ensure no-one was hurt.

Statistics:

• 6 people have been arrested in connection with the Epping protest.
• 100 people gathered outside the Bell Hotel to demonstrate.
• 1 officer from Norfolk was taken to hospital after being struck in the face by a bottle.
• 1 woman had missiles thrown at her while trying to get through the crowd.

Sources:

• "Unacceptable attacks on police after protest in Essex descends into violence" by The Mirror, no date mentioned.
• "Essex Police statement" by Essex Police, no date mentioned.