Epping, United Kingdom – Violent confrontations broke out Thursday night outside the Bell Hotel, believed to be housing asylum seekers, resulting in injuries to eight police officers.

Demonstrators have been gathering at the site since a 38-year-old man was accused last week of sexual assault. Earlier in the day, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and denied attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

Footage recorded by Niyak Ghorbani shows protesters throwing objects at a police van. One person climbed onto the moving vehicle and smashed its windscreen while a crowd looked on. Eggs and fireworks were also hurled during the demonstration.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper confirmed the injured officers suffered cuts, grazes, and hand injuries.

“Eight of my officers… were assaulted last night… and that is absolutely, totally unacceptable,” Hooper said. “They’re part of that community and that’s what we won’t tolerate.”

No break-ins at the hotel were reported.

Police stated they had identified suspects connected to the assault of officers and damage to both police vehicles and the hotel. One man, 65-year-old Dean Walters, was arrested on suspicion of affray related to an assault near the hotel and has been charged.

Another person remains in custody for allegedly failing to comply with dispersal orders.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow emphasized: “Disruption and offending is never an appropriate response… We can never, and will never, tolerate criminal behaviour of any sort.”

The first protest occurred Sunday night. Though no offenses were reported between opposing groups, two male security guards were assaulted at a nearby bus stop. They sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.

On Tuesday, police arrested a man for shouting racial abuse and damaging hotel property. He has been released on bail while the investigation continues.

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