Protesters rallied outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, against the housing of asylum seekers, with over 100 participants chanting and waving signs. Flares were set off, and tensions rose as bottles and smoke flares were thrown at police vans. One person was arrested during the incident. Essex Police prepared to enforce the removal of face coverings as allowed by law, emphasizing that peaceful protest is protected, but measures were needed to minimize violence and ensure safety.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside an Essex hotel believed to house asylum seekers, with more than 100 demonstrators assembling outside the Bell Hotel in Epping and chanting 'save our kids.' Some protesters set off flares while others held signs calling for the deportation of foreign criminals. Bottles and smoke flares were thrown towards police vans that were blocking the hotel entrance, leading to one arrest by Essex Police.
Essex Police announced plans to enforce the removal of face coverings under section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, stating any refusal could result in arrest or imprisonment. While the right to peaceful protest is protected by law, police aimed to mitigate violence during the demonstration.
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