Downing Street has condemned attacks on police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Essex, as fears grow that the far right will exploit local grievances. Six people were arrested after the latest clashes on Sunday, during which riot police were pelted with projectiles before the area was cleared using a dispersal order.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, said Britain was getting close to 'civil disobedience on a vast scale' and blamed anti-racism protesters for some of the violence. He added that 'of course there were some bad eggs... the usual far-right thugs, but equally what about antifa?'
Fears are mounting that the situation in Epping will be further inflamed next weekend if the far-right activist Tommy Robinson shows up with thousands of supporters. Local people, including women and children, had gathered for what was initially a peaceful protest against the hotel.
Tensions remain high after an asylum seeker appeared in court charged with three counts of sexual assault. The man, who denies the offences, was remanded in custody before a two-day trial next month. Following the violence, Essex police said four people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder connected to Thursday's protest.
In a separate incident, a woman was targeted as she walked through the crowds. Police said missiles were thrown at her and she was subjected to abuse. Officers escorted her from the scene. Video footage showed the woman saying she supported closing the hotel and had tried to speak to councillors.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: 'Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it's clearly unacceptable to see police coming under attack.' A man has already denied a charge of violent disorder, and a second man was charged on Monday with the same offence.
