A POLICE officer was injured and two people were arrested during an otherwise peaceful protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping yesterday, Sunday 18 January.
The officer had been driving a police van behind protestors for their safety as they carried out a procession along the highway. A laser was shone directly into their eyes, causing them to be stunned and requiring them to be taken to hospital for treatment. The officer is now recovering.
A 27-year-old woman from Epping was arrested on suspicion of assault.
They have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Separately another man – a 45-year-old from Newham – was arrested during the gathering on suspicion of affray. He has also been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, District Commander for Epping Forest District said: “Since the summer of last year our officers have worked tirelessly to ensure safe and peaceful protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping.
“During that time, I’m sorry to say, there has been more than one occasion where officers have been assaulted, and routinely officers are still subjected to verbal abuse.
“Behaviour like this is not necessary. Our officers are trying to do a job and they are doing it impartially and professionally. On Sunday the officer was driving a marked police van behind the procession of peaceful protesters to ensure their safety – yet he had a powerful laser shone in his eyes, which stunned him and left him requiring hospital treatment. That is such reckless criminal behaviour – it is only testament to his professionalism that he safely kept control of the van and brought it to a stop.
“Additionally on Sunday we saw a second arrest for affray. There were also numerous smokebombs being let off and thrown into the road and the grounds of the hotel. This is dangerous for road users, put simply – it goes far beyond a peaceful protest and creates an unnecessary risk to the public.
“Everyone has the right to peaceful protest, but whether you’re an Epping resident living near The Bell or a road user driving past, you also have the right to go about your business and life peacefully.
“We know protests will continue, with the majority of the events and the majority of protesters being peaceful. Let’s keep it this way out of fairness for all. We have come along way to reach this point in Epping with regular peaceful protests. Individuals intent on agitating have no place in Epping.”
