A total of eight officers were injured in clashes with protesters outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers on Thursday night, Essex Police has said.
Footage appeared to show people approaching and throwing objects at a police van which was parked outside the Bell Hotel in Epping.
As the vehicle was driven away, one person climbed on to the front and held their hands in the air. Images showed an individual kicking the windscreen of the vehicle, completely smashing it in the process, while a crowd watched on.
Eggs were thrown and fireworks were also let off outside the hotel, in the latest night of demonstrations, which have repeatedly happened since a 38-year-old man was accused of sexual assault last week.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court earlier in the day, where he denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said the officers who were hurt sustained injuries to their hands as well as cuts and grazes.
“Eight of my officers, and not only my officers, we were supported by colleagues from other forces as well, were assaulted last night… and that is absolutely, totally unacceptable,” he said at a news conference on Friday.
“They come here to do a role to support our communities.
“They’re part of that community and that’s what we won’t tolerate.”
He added that there were “no reports of anyone actually breaking into the hotel last night”.
The force previously said it had identified several suspects it believes are responsible for “damaging police vehicles, the hotel and assaulting officers”.
One man at Thursday’s protest was arrested on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault near the hotel on Sunday. He has since been charged and named as 65-year-old Dean Walters.
Another person has been arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with dispersal orders. They remain in custody.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Disruption and offending is never an appropriate response, no matter the strength of feeling in this case, and on this issue.
“People protesting peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us – and the wider public – no concern.
“However, we can never, and will never, tolerate criminal behaviour of any sort and anyone identified as committing crime will be dealt with robustly.”
The first planned protest near the Bell Hotel took place on Sunday night.
While no offences were reported between two groups at the site, two male security staff members were assaulted by a group of men at a nearby bus stop, police said.
The two victims made their way past the protest site at the hotel to get help.
They received hospital treatment for serious injuries, the force said.
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Another incident took place on Tuesday when a man allegedly shouted racial abuse at the hotel before later causing damage to the property, police said.
He was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.
