Protesters at the Epping asylum hotel lead to a police officer's injury and a car being driven towards the safety perimeter, resulting in two individuals being accused.

In the small Essex town of Epping, tensions ran high this week as a dispersal order was put in place to maintain order and safety. The order, which is in effect until 6am on Saturday, August 30, was enforced following a series of protests over the use of asylum hotels in the town.

The protests were sparked by the government's successful bid to block the closure of the Bell Hotel, which has been housing asylum seekers. The local government of Epping Forest District Council had initiated legal action to prevent the asylum seekers from continued accommodation at the hotel following protests and allegations against one resident.

However, following a court ruling, asylum seekers will now be allowed to stay in Epping's Bell Hotel beyond the previously given September 12 deadline. This decision has been met with resistance, leading to the protests and the subsequent dispersal order.

Essex Police used additional powers to request that anyone assembling outside the hotel to leave the area by 9.30pm on Friday. Officers implemented Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, requiring compliance. The order was followed, and the protests ended peacefully before their designated conclusion.

The dispersal order allows officers to ask anyone suspected of committing, or being intent on committing, anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Failure to comply can result in arrest. During the latest demonstrations, officers arrested three men, one of whom, Jimmy Hillard, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker. Another arrestee, Ross Ellis, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. A third man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody.

Shortly after the protest's cut off time, a white car was seen driving on the wrong side of the road and heading towards the officers maintaining a police cordon. No injuries were reported, but the incident is currently under investigation.

The Home Office and Somani Hotels had been seeking to challenge this ruling to avoid similar legal challenges across the country. However, Epping Forest District Council has been granted an interim injunction by the High Court, stopping the Bell Hotel's owner from using the hotel to accommodate asylum seekers beyond September 12.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Pavelin urged protesters to express their views safely and peacefully. He emphasised the importance of maintaining order and safety in the town, particularly during these challenging times.

As the situation continues to unfold, the community of Epping awaits further developments in this ongoing saga.

Protesters at the Epping asylum hotel lead to a police officer's injury and a car being driven towards the safety perimeter, resulting in two individuals being accused.