Epping Protest Disorder: 23 Arrests and 12 Charges Secured
Overview
Essex Police have confirmed a total of 23 arrests and 12 charges linked to disorder during previous protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, as investigations into violent offences continue.
While recent demonstrations on 24 and 27 July passed peacefully, detectives say a number of individuals used earlier protests as cover for violence, resulting in attacks on police officers, criminal damage, and theft of police equipment.
A newly released arrest footage clip, shared via WeTransfer, shows officers detaining one suspect in connection with the ongoing inquiry.
Latest Charges and Arrests
Police today confirmed the 12th charge has been issued against:
- Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, charged with a public order offence. He has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.
Two further arrests were made this week:
- A 33-year-old man from Epping
- A 52-year-old man from Upminster
Both are in custody on suspicion of public order offences.
Detectives had previously appealed to locate Martin Peagram and Philip Curson but have now stood down the appeal, thanking the public for assistance.
Police Statement
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:
“As a police force, we aren’t here to take sides. Our job is to protect the public and maintain law and order, facilitating peaceful protest and allowing life in Epping to carry on.
I’m grateful to the law-abiding majority who attended the last two peaceful protests.
But we are clear — violence, criminal damage, and assaults on officers are unacceptable. Those responsible can expect a knock at the door.”
Full List of Charges and Court Dates
| Name | Location | Charge(s) | Court Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Hillard, 52 | Loughton | Public order offence | 3 Oct, Chelmsford Mag |
| Shaun Thompson, 37 | Epping | Violent disorder, criminal damage | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Dean Walters, 65 | Harlow | Threatening/abusive behaviour | 24 Sept, Chelmsford Mag |
| Jonathan Glover, 47 | Waltham Abbey | Violent disorder | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Stuart Williams, 36 | Thornwood, Epping | Violent disorder | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Keith Silk, 33 | Loughton | Violent disorder, criminal damage | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Dean Smith, 51 | Epping | Violent disorder | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Joe McKenna, 34 | Wickford | Refusing to remove face covering | 24 Sept, Chelmsford Mag |
| Kenneth Blissett, 34 | Harlow | Theft, offensive weapon possession | 30 Sept, Colchester Mag |
| Aaron Elles, 28 | Harlow | Violent disorder | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Lee Gower, 43 | Epping | Violent disorder, assault on emergency worker | 18 Aug, Chelmsford Crown |
| Joshua Meadows, 18 | Epping | Face covering refusal, cannabis possession | 24 Sept, Chelmsford Mag |
How to Help
Police are continuing to review footage and urge anyone with relevant video or information relating to the 17 July protest disorder to come forward.
Call 101 or visit essex.police.uk quoting incident references relating to 17 July. Anonymous tips can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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