Protesters gather in Epping as bottles and flares are thrown

Aimee DexterBBC News, Essex

Greg Mckenzie

BBC News, Essex

Hundreds of people have gathered in Epping for another protest outside the Bell Hotel

PA Media protesters in masks and smoky air hold up mobile phones — Hundreds of people have gathered in Epping for another protest outside the Bell Hotel

Bottles and smoke flares have been thrown towards police vehicles during a protest at a hotel used to house asylum seekers.

More than 1,000 people have gathered at the site of the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after a protest was organised for 18:00 BST.

Essex Police said one person had been arrested and was being taken into custody. The disorder followed the arrest and charge of an asylum seeker last week on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town.

Unrest at the site on Thursday led to three arrests, with plans for the latest protest prompting the force to announce a section 60AA order requiring the removal of face coverings would remain in place until Monday.

Demonstrators chanted “send them home” and “save our kids”, as projectiles were thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel.

Many had travelled from across the UK, with one woman from Scotland telling the BBC she felt compelled to “support local people and get the asylum seekers out”.

Essex Police were aware of a planned protest at the site from 18:00 BST on Sunday and had an order in place

PA Media crowd of people - some wearing masks - gathering — Essex Police were aware of a planned protest at the site from 18:00 BST on Sunday and had an order in place

Protesters carrying banners at the demonstration in Epping on Sunday evening

Greg McKenzie/BBC line of women holding a hand made cardboard banner saying "I'm not far right, I'm worried about my kids" — Protesters carrying banners at the demonstration in Epping on Sunday evening

The Section 60AA order comes after police said the protest on Thursday had involved people wearing face coverings and “committing serious acts of disorder”. Eight police officers were injured.

One man was earlier charged with violent disorder and criminal damage following previous clashes outside the hotel.

A spokesperson for the force added: “We will deal robustly and quickly with anyone intent on coming into Epping to commit selfish criminal behaviour.

“The right to peaceful protest is protected by law and allows everyone freedom of expression, but this must be done respectfully and if there is a risk to public order we will act appropriately.”

The order is in place around Epping including its tube station.

There is a heavy police presence in the area

PA Media image shows police officers in Epping — There is a heavy police presence in the area

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.

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