Three Arrested as Police Facilitate Protest in Epping
Police say three people were arrested as they facilitated a large protest in Epping on the evening of Sunday, 31 August.
Arrests Made
Essex Police confirmed that two men and one woman were taken into custody:
- A woman, arrested at the Civic Centre, on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order. Police stressed her arrest was not related to flying a Union Flag, despite claims circulating online.
- A man, arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after an emblem was allegedly set alight during an earlier incident on Friday, 29 August.
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Police Clarification
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper addressed speculation around the Civic Centre arrest:
“Turning next to the arrest of a woman shortly after 7.15pm tonight. She was arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order as we sought to de-escalate a highly emotional situation.
To be very clear, despite suggestions we’ve seen on social media, she was not arrested for flying a Union Flag on the Civic Centre.”
Orders in Place
Police confirmed a dispersal order remains active in the town to tackle anti-social behaviour, alongside a Section 60AA order, allowing officers to request the removal of face coverings.
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A visible police presence will continue in the area through the night to maintain public safety and prevent disorder.
