Two people have been charged after police said restrictions were breached during a protest outside Epping Forest District Council’s civic offices.
Around 200 demonstrators gathered at the building from 6pm on Sunday, 31 August, days after the Government won a court challenge allowing 138 asylum seekers to continue being housed at the Bell Hotel.
Police restrictions in place
Essex Police had imposed a number of orders ahead of the protest:
- A Section 14 order limiting protest activity to a fenced area opposite The Bell Hotel and requiring all demonstrations to finish by 8pm.
- A Section 12 order dictating the route of any procession between Theydon Road and Lindsey Street.
- A Section 60AA order giving officers powers to order the removal of face coverings used to conceal identity.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said the measures were taken to prevent serious disruption and disorder.
Arrests and charges
- Sarah White, 40, of Luxborough Lane, Chigwell, was charged with failing to comply with the conditions of participation of a procession and with failing to comply as an organiser. She has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 15 October.
- Scott Davey, 32, of Wheelers Close, Nazeing, was charged with failing to comply with the conditions of participation in a public assembly. He has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 31 October.
- A 22-year-old man from Epping arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage — linked to a banner allegedly set alight on 29 August — has been bailed until 28 November.
Police statement
ACC Hooper addressed rumours on social media, saying:
“There has been suggestion on social media that we made an arrest on Sunday because someone unfurled a flag. I want to be really clear – that is categorically wrong. Unfurling or putting up a flag is not a criminal offence, and nobody has been arrested for doing that.”
He added that police had “consistently facilitated lawful protest throughout the summer” but also had a duty to prevent serious disorder and protect residents.
