Police Condemn Violence at Epping Protest as Officer Injured and Multiple Incidents Investigated
Essex Police have issued a detailed update following multiple days of unrest in Epping, confirming that several suspects have been identified and one police officer injured after violence disrupted otherwise peaceful protests outside the Bell Hotel.
The events were sparked by the arrest and court appearance of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker, charged with multiple sexual offences, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
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Latest Update – Friday, 18 July, 12:00am
- Police confirmed that projectiles, including fireworks and eggs, were thrown at officers during Thursday night’s protest.
- A Metropolitan Police officer suffered a minor neck injury.
- Police vehicles and hotel property were damaged.
- Suspect images are being circulated across Essex, Metropolitan, and British Transport Police teams.
- Essex Police thanked the majority of peaceful protestors, but condemned those who caused “substantial disruption.”
“This was crime,” said Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow. “The people responsible do not represent Epping or Essex.”
Arrest Made in Separate Incident
A man has been arrested and charged with affray following an assault reported on Sunday 13 July near the Bell Hotel.
- Dean Walters, 65, of Harlow, has been charged and bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 24 September under strict bail conditions.
Timeline of Events
Tuesday 8 July:
- Police arrest Hadush Kebatu on High Road, Epping after multiple reports of inappropriate behaviour.
- Charged with:
- Three counts of sexual assault
- One count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity
- One count of harassment without violence
Sunday 13 July:
- Protest held outside the Bell Hotel.
- Later, two male security guards were seriously assaulted at a nearby bus stop.
- Police treating the attack as racially aggravated.
Tuesday 15 July:
- A man shouted racial abuse and damaged hotel property.
- Arrested for racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage, then bailed pending enquiries.
- Thursday 17 July:
- Protest reignites with fireworks and eggs thrown.
- Section of High Road closed.
- A police officer injured, multiple suspects identified, investigations underway.
Police Statements
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow:
“The people who carried out these crimes do not represent our community. This was criminal behaviour, not protest.”
Superintendent Tim Tubbs added:
“There is strong feeling locally about the court case. But we cannot allow that to justify criminality. We urge everyone to respect the judicial process and keep our community safe.”
What’s Next
- Officers will remain highly visible in Epping over the coming days.
- Investigations continue using body-worn footage, drone surveillance, and social media posts.
- Police encourage the public to report any information relevant to recent offences.
Contact Essex Police via 101 or visit essex.police.uk
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111