Statement by Essex Police

“We continue to respond to an incident in Epping this evening, where a number of people have disrupted peaceful protests with projectiles and other violent behaviour.

“We are aware of several social media posts sharing videos of disorder this evening and our officers outside The Bell Hotel – these officers, including those supporting us from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police, were deployed in response to that disorder, with peaceful protestors concluding their event earlier in the evening.

“Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We know the people who carry out these crimes do not represent Epping or Essex.
“Nothing about the offending we saw tonight is representative of the concerns of any local residents.
“These are the actions of criminals, who we will be pursuing for arrest.”

“We have identified several suspects we believe are responsible for damaging police vehicles, the hotel, and assaulting our officers.

“One of our officers was left with a minor injury to their neck.

“We will remain at the scene throughout this evening”.