12th man charged over Epping disorder
Police have also made 23 arrests so far
Officers investigating incidents of disorder linked to previous protests outside a hotel in Epping have so far made 23 arrests and secured 12 charges.
Police continue to engage with residents and businesses, after recent protests outside the Bell Hotel.
The force says it’s important to repeat that the past two arranged protests, held on Sunday 27 July and Thursday 24 July, passed off peacefully and is thanking those who attended to make their views heard.
However, officers continue to investigate incidents linked to previous protests, in particular on Thursday 17 July, which saw a small number of offenders resort to violence against police officers and property.
They continue to secure charges in relation to this.
Officers had sought to speak to Martin Peagram and Philip Curson and released a public appeal to find them.
They are no longer looking to speak to them and we would thank those who shared our appeal.
This follows the arrests of a 33-year-old man, from Epping, and a 52-year-old man, from Upminster, on suspicion of public order offences.
They are being questioned in custody.
The 12th and latest charge has been secured against Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton.
He is charged with a public order offence and remains on bail until a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “I’ve been consistent in repeating a simple fact – as a police force we aren’t here to take sides, we are here simply to protect the public and maintain law and order, facilitating peaceful protest but also allowing all people in Epping to go about their lives with minimal disruption.
“I’m really grateful to the law-abiding majority of attendees at the two most recent protests in Epping.
“They’ve got a right to make their views and their voices heard and they’ve done so in a peaceful way. The engagement I have seen has been largely respectful.
“However it’s really important that we continue to show that previous violence, against our officers, against property and against people at the hotel, is unacceptable and will be dealt with.
“Those who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to resort to hooliganism can expect a knock on the door.”