ESSEX Police are aware of a planned protest this evening in Epping, and we have a full policing plan in place to ensure the safety of everyone who is attending.

This includes two specific restrictions under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986:

Timings – All protest activity should cease at 8.30pm on Sunday 3 August;

Location – any public assembly at the Bell Hotel must take place in the areas as defined by police directly opposite the hotel.

This area is a designated site where people where people who want to make their voices heard can lawfully do that.

Those that do not follow the above restrictions are likely to be arrested.

There are two other powers we have put in place this evening:

A power in place to require the removal of face coverings (under section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) until 3am on Monday 4 August;

A power to direct anyone committing, or suspected of committing anti-social behaviour to leave the area (under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014) until 8am on Monday 4 August.

Anyone who refuses to remove a face covering when required to do so is likely to be arrested and if convicted could face imprisonment.

Please see the attached maps for the areas affected by the orders. Orders covering the town of Epping include Epping underground station.

Officers continue to investigate incidents linked to previous protests, in particular on Thursday 17 July, which saw a small number of offenders resort to violence against police officers and property.
So far, 14 people have been charged and a total of 25 people have been arrested in connection with this disorder.

Among those is a 21-year-old man from Buckhurst Hill, who is currently in custody and arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Those protesting peacefully about issues which are important to them are free to lawfully do so.

A spokesperson said: “However, the police say they will deal robustly and quickly with anyone intent on coming into Epping to commit criminal behaviour.

“We police impartially, without fear or favour, and have legal responsibilities to protect those who want to exercise their rights peacefully.

“The right to peaceful protest is protected by law and allows everyone freedom of expression, but this must be done respectfully and if there is a risk to public order we will act appropriately”.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “We have seen the vast majority of people attending these protests doing so peacefully, in areas we have cordoned for their safety and to allow the people of Epping to carry on their daily lives.

“As I have said before, anyone disrupting the public or peaceful protest will be robustly dealt with.”