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Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has issued a strong warning to those committing criminal acts under the guise of protest, as tensions continue in Epping and surrounding areas.
Speaking to 27 regional and national journalists during a press conference at a police operations base in Essex, Harrington reaffirmed the force’s commitment to lawful policing while condemning acts of violence and disorder.
“Smashing Up Police Vans Is Not Protest”
“In recent weeks, we have seen there are some people who think it’s OK to try and disguise hooliganism as lawful protest. It’s not,” Harrington said.
“If you break the law, if you smash up police vans, if you assault people who work in the hotel, if you are chasing people away, if you’re committing public order offences — that is where we have, and where we will, intervene.”
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The statement follows recent unrest outside hotels in Epping, where asylum seekers are being temporarily housed. Protest activity has led to ten arrests and five charges, with more expected.
Police Action and Community Reassurance
The Chief Constable confirmed that officers are gathering evidence overnight and working with the CPS to ensure swift charges are brought against offenders. He added:
“To anyone trying to cause trouble, I want to be really clear with you: policing is prepared.
I’d like to reassure everyone in Epping, whoever they are, that we’ll be out there in the community doing everything we can to ensure our town is kept safe.”
Supporting Peaceful Protest, Not Violence
Harrington also acknowledged that some residents wish to express legitimate concerns peacefully:
“I know that there are people who want to speak up peacefully and have their voices heard on legitimate issues. Our role is not to support or oppose any cause, but to uphold the law, protect life and property, and facilitate lawful protest.”
“Social Solutions Not Born in the Back of a Police Van”
In closing, Harrington urged broader societal action beyond the police response:
“We do need real, long-term solutions to the issues that lie behind the incidents we have seen here and around the UK.
That is the work of others. It’s not a job for the police and nor should it be.”
