STATEMENT from Essex Police

“We 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 and to ensure local residents and road users are safe and able to go about their lives without serious disruption created in their community.

“This includes two specific restrictions under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986:
Location – any public assembly in the vicinity of the Bell Hotel must take place on the south side of the B1393 High Road, Epping, opposite the hotel, behind the area marked off by metal fencing. No protest activity in the road (B1393)

Timings – All protest activity must cease at 8.30pm on Sunday 10 August.

This area is a designated site 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.
Please see the attached map for the area affected by the order.

These restrictions have been put in place to ensure the road remain clears, reducing serious disruption to the wider community and keeping everyone safe. The protest location in no way diminishes the ability to protest peacefully.

Those protesting peacefully about issues which are important to them are free to lawfully do so.
However, we will deal robustly and swiftly 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 this evening:
“The vast majority of people attending these protests are 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 we have said before, anyone disrupting the public or peaceful protest will be swiftly and robustly dealt with.”

Officers continue to investigate incidents linked to previous protests and so far, 16 people have been charged, and a total of 28 people have been arrested in connection with this disorder.
T

wo people were arrested in what was a very peaceful protest in Epping on Friday 8 August.
One man was released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of beaching bail conditions.
A second man has now been charged.
Anthony Prosser, 22, of Woodberry Down, Epping, is charged with assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and throw/cast a firework in a public place.

He has been released on conditional bail and will appear at Colchester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 8 October.

https://www.essex.police.uk/news/essex/news/news/2025/july/policing-plan-for-epping-protest