Police have charged two men following incidents during protest activity in High Road, Epping on Friday night (29 August).

Drink Driving Charge

At around 9.30pm, officers maintaining a police cordon reported a white car being driven on the wrong side of the road towards police.

The driver was stopped and arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

Ross Ellis, 49, of Orchard Croft, Harlow, has since been charged with failing to provide a specimen. He appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday, 30 August).

Assault on Officer

In a separate incident at 9.20pm, a police officer sustained an ankle injury while policing the protest.

Jimmy Hillard, 52, of Chequers Road, Loughton, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 1 September.

Ongoing Enquiries

A third man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Police Statement

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said:

“As I said last night, the right to protest does not include a right to commit crime. We’ve worked very closely with our Crown Prosecution Service colleagues overnight to secure these charges, and the cases will now proceed through the court system appropriately.

To our residents in Epping, you will continue to see a policing presence in the area throughout this afternoon and into this evening.”