ESSEX Police have facilitated a peaceful protest in Epping on Sunday evening.

A spokesperson said: “To ensure those who wanted to protest peacefully and lawfully could do so safely we put in place some specific measures and to ensure the safety of our community.

This included a Section 14 order stating where and when the protest could take place, a Section 34 order giving officers the power to remove anyone carrying out or believed to be carrying out anti-social behaviour, and a Section 60AA order banning face coverings.

A group of people protesting against The Bell hotel formed from around 5pm. We facilitated their safety and right to protest through a police presence at that location.

We worked hard to prevent disruption to local residents and to keep any road closures to a minimum. A group of these protesters briefly marched on Bury Road and Epping High Road, so officers temporarily closed the road and ensured the safety of those marching before escorting them back to the designated protest site.

Our policing plan ensured all resident communities were kept safe throughout the protest. 

Earlier today officers arrested two more people in connection with offences at previous protests, and both are now charged.

Charlie Land, 23, of Warren Close in Hatfield, is charged with violent disorder and criminal damage. He has been remanded in custody.

Luke Fleming, 21, of Thaxted Road in Buckhurst Hill, is charged with violent disorder. He has been released on bail with strict conditions.

They will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

“This means 25 people have now been arrested in connection with offences at these protests, and 16 of them have been charged”. 

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:

“I want to thank those who attended for the peaceful nature of this evening’s protest.

“Our role is to ensure that you can do so safely and lawfully, without being stopped by those trying to disrupt it.

“Today’s two arrests are the latest in our ongoing work to identify and locate those who have brought crime to Epping while other protested peacefully.

“We will be making more arrests in the coming days.”