Three Arrested as Police Crack Down on Epping Protest
Essex Police arrested three people during a large protest in Epping on Sunday evening, 31 August. Officers stepped in to keep order as tensions ran high in the town.
Three Taken Into Custody
- A woman was arrested at the Civic Centre for breaching a Section 14 order. Police were quick to squash rumours that her arrest was linked to flying a Union Flag, calling those claims false.
- A man faces charges of inciting racial hatred after reportedly setting an emblem alight during an incident on Friday, 29 August.
- Another man was arrested for breaching the Section 14 order after refusing to leave once the protest officially ended.
All three remain in police custody. Meanwhile, a separate individual was slapped with a Section 42 order under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, forcing them to leave the area and stay away.
Police Clear the Air
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper addressed swirling social media chatter about the Civic Centre arrest. He said:
“She was arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order as we tried to calm a highly charged situation. To be very clear, despite suggestions on social media, she was not arrested for flying a Union Flag.”
Orders Remain in Place
Essex Police confirmed a dispersal order is still active in Epping to curb anti-social behaviour. They also have a Section 60AA order in force, which enables officers to demand the removal of face coverings.
A strong police presence will stay in the area overnight to keep the peace and prevent disorder from flaring up again.
