A STATEMENT from Essex Police: “We’ve put in place additional powers in Epping this evening, ahead of a planned protest in the town. 

Under the Public Order Act 1986, we’ve put in place a Section 60AA order, which gives officers the power to order the removal of face coverings. It will run for up to 24 hours. 

A dispersal order is also in place to prevent anti-social behaviour and will run until 4am tomorrow, Sunday 31 August. 

Both orders cover the areas shown in the map below and are in place to keep our local community safe and to minimise any disruption caused. 

Assistant chief constable Glen Pavelin said: “We never take the decision to impose restrictions on members of the public lightly. 

“However, we must guard against the impact of anti-social behaviour on our community and these orders will give us extra powers to deal with that should it become necessary to do so. 

“There will continue to be a policing presence in the town throughout this evening as we monitor the situation.” 

ACC Pavelin added: “We’ve consistently said we will always seek to facilitate lawful protest but that does not include a right to commit crime, and we’ll take a firm approach to anyone intent on doing that. 

“The strength of feeling in Epping is not lost on me – or anyone in Essex Police – and I would urge anyone who wants to make their voices heard to please do that peacefully.”