On Thursday 17th July a number of local Epping residents carried out what was an initial peaceful protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping High Road.

These residents were peacefully and legitimately protesting. This follows a recent alleged incident involving a resident of the hotel who was swiftly arrested, charged and remanded.

After carrying out their peaceful protests, members of the Epping community largely dissipated, however a number of individuals arrived at the scene, intent on causing trouble.

In the violence that followed these individuals: threw missiles at officers and the hotel; smashed police vans and vehicles; caused damage to the hotel; injured one officer; and prevented local residents from being able to use Epping High Road.

A total of eight officers were assaulted and suffered a range of minor injuries.

Several suspects who caused trouble have been identified and we are now seeking to arrest them.

Today officers remain at the scene of The Bell Hotel and are patrolling Epping. They will do so throughout the weekend to keep our communities safe.

Essex Police would urge anyone with any footage or imagery that could help to send them into us so that we can make further arrests as quickly as we can.

On Thursday evening, two men were arrested.

One man has since been charged with a public order offence. A 65-year-old man from Harlow will appear in court in September.

A second man remains in custody being questioned on suspicion of a public order offence.