Police have imposed strict restrictions ahead of fresh protests planned outside a hotel housing migrants in Essex. The measures come after weeks of escalating violence and disorder that have left residents feeling "trapped" in their own homes.
Sunday will see the latest demonstration outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, following the charging of an asylum seeker who allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters are also expected to gather from 2pm.
Face coverings banned during protests
Essex Police said the restrictions are necessary and proportionate due to repeated serious disruption and harm to the community. Officers will ban anyone from wearing face coverings and have designated specific sites opposite the hotel for protesters.
A dispersal order will run from 12pm on Sunday until 8am on Monday, covering Epping town centre and nearby transport hubs. The order gives officers power to remove anyone suspected of anti-social behaviour.
Robinson may skip planned appearance
Political activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said on his X account on July 20 that he was "coming to Epping next Sunday... and bringing thousands more with me". In a later post, Robinson suggested he may no longer attend.
Essex Police said residents have reported feeling fearful of leaving their homes and anxious about protest activity. Hotel residents and staff have been advised to remain indoors after 5pm as some have experienced verbal and physical harassment, including one resident who was chased and injured while returning to the hotel.
Violence escalates across multiple protests
The force said there was an "escalation of violence" during protests on July 13, 17, 20 and 24, involving hundreds of people. Officers were assaulted, missiles were thrown, vehicles were vandalised and the hotel sustained broken windows and graffiti.
Essex Police announced on Saturday that two more men have been charged following the disorder. Lee Gower, 43, of High Street, Epping, was charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker on July 17.
Court appearances scheduled
Gower was remanded into custody and was due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Joshua Meadows, 18, of Sunnyside Road, Epping, was charged with failing to remove an item worn and possession of cannabis on July 24.
Meadows has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on September 24. The latest charges follow 10 people who were previously charged in relation to the disorder, Essex Police said.
Protests spread to other locations
Meanwhile, there was a peaceful protest outside a hotel reportedly housing migrants in Bowthorpe near Norwich on Saturday. Norfolk Police arrested two men in their 20s on suspicion of affray following demonstrations outside hotels in Diss and Bowthorpe last week.
There have also been protests outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf which is reportedly set to be used to offer temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. The Epping protests were sparked by the charging of asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Kebatu denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
