ESSEX Police are aware of a planned protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping this evening are facilitating it to ensure those wanting to exercise their democratic right can do so safely.

As a result they are putting in place a Section 60AA order which bans the wearing of face coverings.

The order is in place from 2pm today (Thursday 28 August) until 2am tomorrow (Friday 29 August) and covers the area highlighted in this map.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: “Recent protests outside the hotel have passed off peaceful with no issues however a during a demonstration on Sunday (24 August) officers observed some people wearing balaclavas and other face coverings in an attempt to conceal their
identity.

“There was also a small group of people who we don’t believe have attended earlier protests who displayed hostility and confrontational behaviour which we’ve not seen in previous demonstrations.

“We want to make sure anyone attending and wanting to protest peacefully and lawfully is able to do so safely which is why we’re putting this order in place.

“This order gives our officers the power to direct someone wearing a face covering to remove it or face arrest.”