Essex Police have taken strong action after violent disorder erupted during protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. So far, 23 individuals have been arrested, with 12 charged in connection to offences committed during the disturbances.
While recent protests on 24 and 27 July passed without incident, police revealed that troublemakers used earlier rallies as cover to launch violent attacks on officers, cause criminal damage, and steal police equipment.
Several key offenders are now facing court proceedings, including:
- Jonathan Glover, 47, of Waltham Abbey – charged with violent disorder.
- Stuart Williams, 36, of Thornwood, Epping – charged with violent disorder.
- Keith Silk, 33, of Loughton – charged with violent disorder and criminal damage.
- Dean Smith, 51, of Epping – charged with violent disorder.
- Lee Gower, 43, of Epping – charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker.
- Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Harlow – charged with theft and possession of an offensive weapon.
Other individuals face charges including refusal to remove face coverings and possession of cannabis. All those charged are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates and Crown Courts in the coming weeks.
Essex Police continue to investigate the events and are reviewing hours of footage from the 17 July protest. Officers are appealing to the public for any information or video evidence related to the incidents.
Witnesses are encouraged to contact Essex Police by calling 101 or submitting details online via the 123 reporting system.
Originally published by UKNIP.
