A TOTAL of five men have now been charged after incidents of violent disorder in Epping.

This follows a series of protests relating to The Bell Hotel, which began peacefully but escalated to the point of disorder and criminal damage.

There will continue to be a very visible policing presence in Epping to ensure the safety of our community and to hear concerns raised.

If you’ve got concerns or information you feel we need to know, please do not hesitate to contact us.

So far, we have secured charges of violent disorder against:

• Jonathan Glover, 47, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey. He remains on conditional bail.
• Stuart Williams, 36, of Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping. Remanded in custody.
• Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton. On conditional bail.
• Dean Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping. Remanded in custody.

All are next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 18 August.

Joe McKenna, 34, of Highcliffe Road, Wickford, is charged with failing to remove a face covering when directed to do so.

He remains on bail until a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 24 September.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “As I’ve consistently said throughout our policing of this matter, this isn’t about preventing or limiting people’s lawful right to express their views and protest.
“Those who exercise this right in a peaceful manner have nothing to worry about.
“This is about preventing violent disorder and keeping the public safe.
“We will not hesitate to make arrests when criminality takes place.
“We remain impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.
“Our priority during the policing of each protest is the safety of everyone there, and we’ve used tried and tested public order tactics to achieve this.”

Rebecca Mundy, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East of England said: “I would like to remind all concerned that there are active criminal proceedings against those charged, and they have the right to a fair trial.
“There must be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online that may in any way prejudice these proceedings.”