The "mindless thugs" who protested outside a migrant hotel in Epping will face the "full force of the law", a top Essex Police officer has said.
Essex Police also confirmed that two arrests had been made outside the hotel.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, from Essex Police, told reporters one man had been arrested on Thursday on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault during a protest on Sunday. He has since been charged.
A second person was arrested on for failing to comply with orders given around dispersal and remains in custody, Hooper said.
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|THe protest took place outside the Epping hotel
Assistant chief constable Stuart Hooper holds a press conference
Hooper added: "We don’t want to see those acts of violence on our streets. If you’re coming here with the intention of carrying out mindless thuggery, that is not acceptable, and we will deal with that."
It was put to the officer that protesters had discussed on social media about returning to the hotel during the weekend.
He continued: "What I can say is there is a policing operation to make sure we understand what’s going on to our community, I want to reach out to our community members.
"If you’re hearing about what’s going on, what’s maybe being said in the community, please report us to it, because that’s really important. But I will re-emphasise that we will be there with our community, supporting our community, and you will see us about."
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X | Police gather outside the Epping migrant hotel last night
The unrest was sparked by the arrest of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker who was charged with a number of sexual offences.
He was arrested by officers on July 8 after reports of a man acting inappropriately towards a number of people.
Kebatu appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 10 and denied all offences.
He has since been remanded in custody.
Hooper told reporters: "Eight of my officers, and not only my officers, we were supported by colleagues from other forces as well, were assaulted last night and that is absolutely, totally unacceptable.
"They come here to do a role to support our communities, they’re a part of that community and that’s what we won’t tolerate."
He added: "They had injuries to their hands and cuts and grazes as a result of the incidents last night."
Hooper also said there were “no reports of anyone actually breaking into the hotel last night”.