Anti-migrant protestors gather outside asylum seeker hotel for another day after Ethiopian man, 38, 'tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl'
The Bell Hotel in Epping has been operating as a migrant hotel on and off for the last five years, and furious residents flocked to the area after an asylum seeker was accused of committing three sexual assaults earlier this week.
The man accused of the assaults, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, had arrived in the UK by small boat eight days prior the alleged assaults.
He has since denied three charges of sexual assault against two girls aged 14 and 16, inciting a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence.
Locals descended upon the area on Thursday holding flags such as 'Defend our Girls' before the protest, which began peacefully, before flaring into violence.
A group of hardcore agitators stopped three Essex Police riot vans from driving past the hotel to support their colleagues in the centre of the town, before protestors took to the road to block and attack police vans.
Dramatic footage shared online then showed the moment a demonstrator was driven into by one of the police vehicles, which then appeared to spark chaos outside the hotel.
Demonstrators have gathered outside the hotel again this evening, with images showing many displaying signs which oppose the hotel holding migrants as protestors chant 'Save our kids' and let off blue smoke bombs.
The asylum seeker accused of sexual assaults, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu (above) had arrived in the UK by small boat eight days prior the alleged assaults - he has since denied charges
In the footage captured on Thursday, the Essex Police van was seen knocking over a young man, who stood in Epping High Road, in what appears to be an attempt to stop the vehicle leaving.
In a comment addressing the video, a spokesperson for the Met said: 'Met officers attended Epping, Essex, on the evening of Thursday, 17 July, following a request by Essex Police to support with an ongoing protest and counter-protest.
'On arrival, officers were met with significant hostility from protesters, with police vehicles damaged and officers threatened with violence.
'During their attendance, officers attempted to leave the immediate area due to safety concerns and were subsequently blocked in by the group of protesters using barriers.
'During this, a police van made contact with one of the protesters.'
Protesters had erected a make-shift barrier made up of pallets and plastic fencing in the road to stop police leaving the scene on Thursday.
The first of four Essex Police vans crashed through the barrier, leading to a protester to stand in the road, who was then knocked out of the way by the second van as people screamed: 'Oh my god' and 'what the f***'.
The youth who was mowed down by the police van is then seen getting up and brushing himself down as he shouts at the convoy.
Another man, who was standing by the side of the road, also fell to the ground during the chaotic clip - which has been seen millions of times online.
It is unclear whether either man needed medical attention.
Essex Police officers, dressed in full riot-gear, were seen sat in the vehicles - as thugs are seen attacking the vans, kicking and launching missiles at them.
They had been among up to 100 officers who battled with anti-migrant protesters who had confronted a counter anti-racism demonstration.
Speaking after Thursday's incidents, ACC Hooper condemned the 'mindless thuggery', which left eight officers hurt.
Warning those behind the mayhem they will 'feel the full force of the law', ACC Hooper said: 'If you were one of those individuals that was responsible for the damage - particularly to my officers or vehicle - you can expect a knock on your door.'
He added: 'Eight of my officers... were assaulted last night and that is absolutely, totally unaccepted. They have come here to do a role, to support their communities – they're a part of that community. And that's what we won't tolerate.'
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