Police made three Epping protest arrests on Friday. This happened during a heated demonstration. The protest was outside The Bell Hotel. Consequently, tensions were high in the area. The Court of Appeal had just made a ruling. It overturned a temporary injunction. Therefore, asylum seekers can remain at the hotel.
Essex Police confirmed the three Epping protest arrests. Officers took three men into custody. Each faced a different allegation. Firstly, one was arrested for violent disorder. Secondly, another was held for assaulting a police officer. Finally, a third was arrested for drink-driving. Thankfully, two officers sustained injuries. However, their injuries were not serious.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin commented on the event. He acknowledged most protesters acted safely. Nonetheless, he issued a firm reminder. He stated the right to protest excludes committing crime. Police also enforced a dispersal order. This order lasted until Saturday morning.
The court’s decision is a significant development. Initially, the High Court issued an injunction. It blocked asylum seekers from the hotel. Lord Justice Bean called that injunction seriously flawed. Therefore, the appeal court overturned it. Now, 138 asylum seekers will not be forced to leave.
Epping Forest District Council responded to the loss. They said they might take the case further. They are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court. The council had originally won the temporary injunction.
Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the ruling. Some people supported the protesters’ concerns. Others welcomed the court’s decision. The town has seen ongoing protests since July. Tensions increased after a prior arrest of an asylum seeker. In total, police have now made 28 arrests linked to the hotel disorder. These three Epping protest arrests are the latest in a long series.
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