PM condemns 'unacceptable' attacks on police after violent Essex protest

Keir Starmer has condemned "unacceptable" attacks on police after a protest descended into violence in Essex.

Six people have been arrested after another protest escalated "into mindless thuggery", police said, outside a hotel believed to house asylum seekers. More than 100 demonstrators assembled outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday evening, with some chanting "save our kids".

Asked about the incident, the PM's spokesman said: "Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy but it is clearly unacceptable to see police coming under attack as they ensure a peaceful protest is able to take place."

He added: “I’ll point you to the Essex police statement. It's very clear that they have got no concern with people who protest peacefully, but clearly criminal behaviour can never be tolerated.”

Police said an officer was struck in the face with a bottle and taken to hospital, while a woman trying to get through the crowd had missiles thrown at her. Some protestors set off flares in blue and red, while others held signs which read "deport foreign criminals", "we go home when they go back" and "defend our girls".

The arrests included a 17-year-old male on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a police car. Four were arrested on Sunday for alleged offences during another protest on Thursday, police said. A 16-year-old male from south London was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to cause criminal damage, it added.

Thursday's demonstration was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Last night, Essex Police said: "There were angry and violent scenes when a woman walked through the crowds. Missiles were thrown at her and a number of individuals were shouting abuse and trying to reach the woman.

"Our officers walked alongside her until she left the scene in order to keep everyone on all sides safe and ensure no-one was hurt." It added: "An officer from Norfolk was struck in the face by a bottle and taken to hospital."

A Section 35 dispersal order was put in place "to prevent further crime or anti-social behaviour", and a Section 60AA was activated to give officers the power to make "any individuals" remove their "face coverings and balaclavas".

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: "Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle. For anyone who thinks we will tolerate their thuggery - think again."

He added: "I would also like to set the record straight around misinformation that Essex Police is anything other than impartial. We don't take sides, we arrest criminals and we have a duty to ensure no-one is hurt - plain and simple.

"I know the people of Essex know what we're about so I know they won't believe the rubbish circulating online that is designed to do nothing more than inflame tensions and trouble.

"I think I speak for all of us - including the people of Epping - when I say we've had enough of your criminality. But our cells, which have been filling up throughout the evening, are ready for you, so don't be in any doubt that this is where you will be sleeping."