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.
- Another man, arrested for breaching the Section 14 order, after refusing to leave when the assembly had concluded.
All three remain in custody.
Additionally, one individual was served with a Section 42 order under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, requiring them to leave the area and not return.
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.
A visible police presence will continue in the area through the night to maintain public safety and prevent disorder.
