Chaotic Protest Outside Essex Hotel: Police Testify

0:00On March 25th, a top Essex police officer testified in court about a chaotic protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, last July 17th. Chief Inspector Stuart Austin described a very hostile scene with hundreds of anti-hotel demonstrators clashing against a smaller group of, counter protesters. Officers formed a cordon to keep the crowds apart and prevent serious disorder. Police had escorted the counter protesters from Epping Tube Station using a standard tactic, similar to handling rival football fans. Austin, who led operations on the ground, estimated 400 to 500 in the main protest group. As the groups neared each other, a sudden rush led to bottles, missiles, milk, and flower being thrown, creating a tense and angry atmosphere. Amid the violence, police vehicles took heavy damage, with windscreen smashed and wing mirrors ripped off. Officers face attacks while shielding the counter protesters, who got stuck on route back to the station due to overwhelming numbers.

1:01Extra officers from nearby forces boosted the total to at least 200. The unrest stem from outrage over an asylum seeker at the hotel, who had been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The Ethiopian man, who arrived by small bows shortly before, was convicted on five counts. Jailed, briefly released by mistake, then detained, and, deported to Ethiopia. Two men from the area, a 43-year-old from Epping, and a 53-year-old from Upminster, deny violent disorder charges from that day, with, the first also facing an assault on an officer claim, the trial at Council for Crown Court is ongoing as more details emerge.