TWO men have been charged as part of our investigation into incidents in Epping last night, Friday 29 August. 

In the first instance, whilst officers were maintaining a police cordon in High Road shortly after 9.30pm, a white car was reported to have been driven on the wrong side of the road, in the direction of the officers 

When officers stopped that vehicle, they had reasonable suspicion to arrest the driver on suspicion of drink driving and he was taken into custody.

We’ve now charged Ross Ellis, 49, of Orchard Croft, Harlow, with failing to provide a specimen. 

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today, Saturday 30 August. 

A second was arrested at 9.20pm after a police officer sustained an ankle injury in High Road, Epping. 

Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 1 September. 

A third man arrested on suspicion of violent disorder remains in custody at this time. 

Assistant chief constable Glen Pavelin said: “As I said last night, the right to protest does not include a right to commit crime and we’ve worked very closely with our Crown Prosecution Service colleagues overnight to secure these charges, and the cases will now proceed through the court system appropriately. 

“To our residents in Epping, you will continue to see a policing presence in the area throughout this afternoon and into this evening.”