Anti-immigrant protest in the UK turns violent after asylum seeker charged with sexual assault
Six people were arrested on Sunday (local time) after protesters turned violent, throwing missiles at police officers and damaging police vans, Essex police said.
Violence had flared outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday night after police arrested an asylum seeker on sexual assault charges.
"Disappointingly, we have seen yet another protest, which began peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle," Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said.
"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," he said.
In one instance, as a woman walked through the crowd, police described "angry and violent scenes" where people tried to reach her, threw missiles at her, and shouted abuse.
Police have an order in place until Monday morning (local time) allowing them to arrest anyone wearing face coverings and balaclavas.
Protesters on Sunday marched with placards that read: "Save our kids" and "Deport foreign rapists".
The disruption began after 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.
The charges stem from allegations he tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl as she ate pizza at a restaurant in Epping on July 7 and 8.
He pleaded not guilty in court on July 10 and was denied bail.
An asylum seeker from Ethiopia, he arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel on a small boat at the end of last month.
The unrest comes a year after anti-immigration riots rocked the UK in the wake of the fatal stabbings of three young girls in the northern town of Southport.
Right-wing agitators, including far-right activist Tommy Robinson, have been sharing posts and videos about the situation in Essex on social media.
On July 13 — during a planned protest in the area of The Bell Hotel — two security staff were seriously assaulted by a group of men. Police said they were treating the attack as "racially aggravated".
Two days later a man was arrested for shouting racial abuse directed towards the hotel.
Police said Thursday's rally was initially peaceful but then turned violent, with protesters throwing missiles at officers and the hotel and smashing police vans and vehicles,.
Eight police officers were injured and two men, including a 65-year-old, were arrested.
"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," Essex police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said "selfish individuals" behind the violence were mostly "from outside of the area" and had travelled to Epping "intent on causing criminality".
Two more men were arrested on July 19, and were charged with violent disorder and criminal damage.
As of Sunday night, all protesters had dispersed, although police said officers would remain in the area.
A dispersal order is in place to prevent further alleged crime or anti-social behaviour in the area.
AFP/ABC
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