Anti-immigrant protesters have attacked UK police outside a hotel in south-east of England that houses asylum seekers.<\/p>\n
Six people were arrested on Sunday (local time) after protesters turned violent, throwing missiles at police officers and damaging police vans, Essex police said.<\/p>\n
Violence had flared outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday night after police arrested an asylum seeker on sexual assault charges.<\/p>\n
“Disappointingly, we have seen yet another protest, which began peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle,” Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said.<\/p>\n
“I think I speak for all of us \u2014 including the people of Epping \u2014 when I say we’ve had enough of your criminality. But our cells, which have been filling up throughout the evening, are ready for you, so don’t be in any doubt that this is where you will be sleeping,” he said.<\/p>\n
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The protest was initially peaceful before turning violent, according to police. (AFP: Justin Tallis)<\/p>\n
In one instance, as a woman walked through the crowd, police described “angry and violent scenes” where people tried to reach her, threw missiles at her, and shouted abuse.<\/p>\n
Police have an order in place until Monday morning (local time) allowing them to arrest anyone wearing face coverings and balaclavas.<\/p>\n
What sparked the protests in Epping?<\/p>\n
Protesters on Sunday marched with placards that read: “Save our kids” and “Deport foreign rapists”.<\/p>\n
The disruption began after 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.<\/p>\n
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Some local residents were infuriated by the alleged actions of an asylum seeker from Ethiopia. (AFP: Justin Tallis)<\/p>\n
The charges stem from allegations he tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl as she ate pizza at a restaurant in Epping on July 7 and 8.<\/p>\n
He pleaded not guilty in court on July 10 and was denied bail.<\/p>\n
An asylum seeker from Ethiopia, he arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel on a small boat at the end of last month.<\/p>\n
Right-wing agitators blamed for inciting violence\u00a0<\/p>\n
The unrest comes a year after anti-immigration riots rocked the UK in the wake of the fatal stabbings of three young girls in the northern town of Southport.<\/p>\n