DETECTIVES investigating incidents of violence and criminal damage which followed peaceful protests in Epping on Thursday (17 July) have made a third arrest.

A group of people disrupted a residents’ protest outside The Bell Hotel in the High Road.

An investigation to identify those who caused disorder in the town is continuing at pace.

Our officers, supported by the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police, faced significant hostility as they worked to keep people safe.

Today, Saturday 19 July, a 33-year-old man from Loughton has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and criminal damage. He is currently in custody where he will be questioned.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “The events in Epping on Thursday were shocking and have no place in our neighbourhoods.

“We understand the concerns of the local community and support everyone’s right to peaceful protest.
“Unfortunately, across social media we are seeing inflammatory comments which suggest we were supporting and enabling certain protestors.

“This is categorically not true. We police without fear or favour, remaining impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.

“Our priority during the policing of this incident was the safety of everyone there, we used tried and tested public order tactics to achieve this.
“This included keeping opposing protestors apart to avoid violence.
“The early protest was peaceful, with people expressing their views.

“We will continue to support people to do this, but we will not tolerate anyone who comes with the intent to commit crime or who resort to crime because others present take a different view to them.
“Officers will act robustly and swiftly towards anyone intent on disrupting the local community’s right to have their voices heard.”

We thank the public who have come forward so far with information, we have set up a dedicated Public Portal where you can share information or video footage.

We would urge anyone who has information which they have not shared to contact us.