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Police have announced a major security operation ahead of a planned protest in Epping on Sunday 27 July, aimed at preventing further violent disorder and disruption to the community.
The operation follows a series of volatile protests outside The Bell Hotel, which has seen multiple arrests, officer injuries, and property damage over the past fortnight.
Face Covering Ban and Protest Restrictions
Essex Police have implemented extra powers under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which means face coverings will be banned. Officers will order anyone wearing one to remove it — failure to comply will result in arrest.
Further restrictions have been imposed under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, limiting protest routes, assembly locations, and timing.
“We’ve got a really robust plan in place to protect the people of Epping against anyone who turns up to commit crime and violent disorder,” a police spokesperson said.
Protests will be allowed only at designated sites near The Bell Hotel and the Civic Centre, with clearly marked entry and exit points. All protest activity must end by 8pm on Sunday.
Violence and Disruption Prompt New Measures
The new policing strategy comes after multiple outbreaks of violence during protests on 13, 17, 20 and 24 July, with over 300 individuals involved in some incidents. Officers were attacked, missiles thrown, and police vehicles vandalised. Eight officers were injured on 17 July alone.
Local businesses, residents, and care workers have described fear, trauma, and serious disruption, with one elderly woman saying she planned her day around protest timings to feel safe. Churches have cancelled services, and emergency services have reported difficulty navigating routes due to blockades.
The Bell Hotel has seen criminal damage, including broken windows and offensive graffiti. Heras fencing has been erected for security.
Legal Basis for Protest Restrictions
The police said the measures comply with the Human Rights Act 1998, balancing the public’s right to protest with the rights of local residents to feel safe. Their decision was guided by operational intelligence and multiple Community Impact Assessments (CIAs).
The conditions are designed to prevent:
- Further escalation of violence
- Harm to hotel residents and local services
- Economic disruption to local businesses
- Erosion of trust in police and public safety
“This is not incidental disruption — it is sustained, significant, and directly attributable to the protest activity,” police stated.
Protest Conditions at a Glance
Section 12 (Public Order Act)
Counter-Protest March Route: Epping Railway Station to The Bell Hotel via Station Approach, Bower Hill, Brook Road, Bridge Hill, Ivy Chimneys Road, Theydon Road.
Time: Between 13:00 and 20:00 on Sunday 27 July.
High Road/High Street not permitted.
Section 14 (Public Order Act)
Anti-Hotel Protest & Counter-Protest: Must take place directly opposite The Bell Hotel or Civic Centre, in designated police-approved locations.
Time: Between 13:00 and 20:00 on Sunday 27 July.
No face coverings permitted under Section 60AA.
Community Reactions and Warnings
The protest site has become a flashpoint for tensions surrounding the use of The Bell Hotel to house asylum seekers. While police acknowledge most protests have been peaceful, they say “a violent minority” has hijacked the agenda, prompting the need for firm measures.
Officers are urging people to avoid the area, and say additional officers, drones, and aerial surveillance may be deployed to ensure compliance.
If you are attending the protest, plan your route carefully and follow all police instructions.
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