Protesters clash with police outside Essex ‘migrant hotel'
Fireworks were set off and projectiles were thrown at police after hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Videos on social media showed two vans hitting protesters, many of whom were wearing England flags and Union jacks.
It is the latest demonstration outside the hotel since Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
He is reported to have arrived in Britain eight days before the alleged assault.
On Thursday, a man was arrested on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault during Sunday's protest, police said.
'We have closed a section of High Road, Epping, for the safety of the public and those protesting,' Essex Police said.
'We will not tolerate any criminality on our streets, whether linked to protesting or not,' the force added.
'One man has already been arrested at today's protest on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault near The Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday July 13.
'He will be taken into custody while our inquiries continue.'
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.'
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