Essex Police have released dramatic bodycam footage showing the arrest of a suspect in his living room following violent disorder outside an asylum seeker hotel in Epping last week.
The video captures officers telling a man in his 20s to put his hands up before handcuffing him on suspicion of violent disorder at his Harlow home at 5.45pm yesterday. The arrest relates to clashes outside the Bell Hotel on 17 July that left eight police officers injured.
In the footage, the arresting officer can be heard saying: “Hello mate, you all right? Put your hands up for me mate. You are going to be arrested, you are under arrest for section two violent disorder for an offence that occurred on July 17.
Swift Police Response
The arrest forms part of a major police operation that has now resulted in 16 arrests following the violent scenes that erupted after an initially peaceful protest. Essex Police confirmed the suspect is being questioned in custody whilst officers search his property for clothing worn on the day of the incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “We’d promised that we’d continue our investigations into the unacceptable actions of a small number of people who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to try to cause harm to people in Epping or to property.
He added: “We’ve been analysing footage and we have investigators and trained detectives working on this operation. We are identifying suspects and there will be more arrests in the coming days. Put simply: If you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won’t get away with it.”
Latest Arrest and Charges
The latest person to be charged is Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Harlow, who faces charges of theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon. Blissett has been released on bail and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court in September.
The force revealed that protesters had damaged police vehicles, thrown projectiles at officers and injured eight of them during the disorder. The cost of policing the incidents has already exceeded £100,000, according to Essex Police.
Four men have already been charged with violent disorder and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 18 August. They are Jonathan Glover, 47, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey; Stuart Williams, 36, of Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping; Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton; and Dean Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping.
Police Hunt for Suspects
Detectives have also issued appeals to trace Martin Peagram, 33, who has links to Stansted. He is described as 6ft tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and facial stubble.
The force is also seeking Philip Curson, 52, of no last known address. He is 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build, with short brown hair and full tattoo sleeves on both arms, and tattoos covering the front of his neck.
Essex Police issued a dispersal order in Epping last night, covering the town centre and transport hubs including the Tube station. The order, in place from 2pm today until 8am tomorrow, gives officers powers to direct anyone suspected of committing anti-social behaviour to leave the area or face arrest.
Background to the Protests
The Bell Hotel has been the centre of violent demonstrations after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl eight days after arriving in the UK.
The protests began on 13 July following reports of a man acting “inappropriately towards a number of people” on 8 July. Kebatu was arrested and 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.
He appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 10 July, where he denied all charges. He has been remanded in custody with his trial due to begin on 26 August.
Chief Constable Refuses to Resign
The arrest footage comes as Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington rejected calls from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to resign after footage emerged of officers escorting pro-migrant activists to the hotel where violent clashes erupted.
Asked if he would stand down, Harrington said: “No, I am not [resigning]. The issue is not about my resignation. The issue is about an effective police operation that keeps the communities of Epping safe.
Essex Police had initially denied bringing Stand Up to Racism activists to the hotel on 17 July before the clashes. However, after being shown footage, the force admitted it had provided a “foot cordon” around protesters.
The force denied Farage’s claims that pro-migrant protesters were “bussed” in police vans to the demonstration. A spokesman said: “Officers did provide a foot cordon around protesters on their way to the protest, where they and others were allowed to exercise their right to protest.
Police Defence of Actions
Harrington rejected claims his officers had given a higher level of protection to pro-migrant protesters, stating: “The only protection that officers are doing is to those lawful and law-abiding people… We are not being partial in any way, shape or form.”
The force confirmed that some people “who were clearly at risk of being hurt were also escorted by vehicle away from the area for their safety” but categorically denied driving any counter-protesters to the site.
Asked about comments from politicians accused of stoking demonstrations, Harrington said it was “not the police’s job to clamp down on elected politicians” but added: “All I’m asking is people are responsible for what they say and consider the real-world consequences.
Bodycam Evidence
In the arrest footage released today, officers can be heard explaining the arrest procedure to the suspect, stating: “The reason for your arrest is so we can interview you about it and also do post arrest searches. So we will be searching for items of clothing you were wearing on the day.”
The video shows the professional manner of the arrest, with officers calmly explaining the suspect’s rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act before conducting a search of the property.
After handcuffing the suspect, an officer tells a colleague: “He’s going to come with you. He’s going to sit in the back with you. You got to go behind this one,” as they prepare to transport him for questioning.
Ongoing Investigation
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow described the violent disorder as “not protest” but “hooliganism”, warning that those responsible “can expect to be held accountable.
The investigation continues at pace, with Essex Police analysing CCTV footage and social media content to identify further suspects. The force has been supported by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police during the operation.
Epping Forest District Council, which has long opposed using the Bell Hotel for asylum accommodation, condemned the violence but reiterated calls for the facility to close. Council Leader Chris Whitbread said the hotel was “an entirely unsuitable location” that puts pressure on local services and causes “understandable concern for residents.
As arrests continue and the investigation progresses, Essex Police have emphasised their commitment to maintaining public safety whilst respecting the right to peaceful protest, warning that violence and disorder will result in swift action and prosecution.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
Essex Police have released dramatic bodycam footage showing the arrest of a suspect in his living room following violent disorder outside an asylum seeker hotel in Epping last week.
The video captures officers telling a man in his 20s to put his hands up before handcuffing him on suspicion of violent disorder at his Harlow home at 5.45pm yesterday. The arrest relates to clashes outside the Bell Hotel on 17 July that left eight police officers injured.
In the footage, the arresting officer can be heard saying: “Hello mate, you all right? Put your hands up for me mate. You are going to be arrested, you are under arrest for section two violent disorder for an offence that occurred on July 17.”
Swift Police Response
The arrest forms part of a major police operation that has now resulted in 16 arrests following the violent scenes that erupted after an initially peaceful protest. Essex Police confirmed the suspect is being questioned in custody whilst officers search his property for clothing worn on the day of the incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “We’d promised that we’d continue our investigations into the unacceptable actions of a small number of people who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to try to cause harm to people in Epping or to property.”
He added: “We’ve been analysing footage and we have investigators and trained detectives working on this operation. We are identifying suspects and there will be more arrests in the coming days. Put simply: If you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won’t get away with it.”
Latest Arrest and Charges
The latest person to be charged is Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Harlow, who faces charges of theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon. Blissett has been released on bail and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court in September.
The force revealed that protesters had damaged police vehicles, thrown projectiles at officers and injured eight of them during the disorder. The cost of policing the incidents has already exceeded £100,000, according to Essex Police.
Four men have already been charged with violent disorder and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 18 August. They are Jonathan Glover, 47, of Springfields, Waltham Abbey; Stuart Williams, 36, of Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping; Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton; and Dean Smith, 51, of Madells, Epping.
Police Hunt for Suspects
Detectives have also issued appeals to trace Martin Peagram, 33, who has links to Stansted. He is described as 6ft tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and facial stubble.
The force is also seeking Philip Curson, 52, of no last known address. He is 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build, with short brown hair and full tattoo sleeves on both arms, and tattoos covering the front of his neck.
Essex Police issued a dispersal order in Epping last night, covering the town centre and transport hubs including the Tube station. The order, in place from 2pm today until 8am tomorrow, gives officers powers to direct anyone suspected of committing anti-social behaviour to leave the area or face arrest.
Background to the Protests
The Bell Hotel has been the centre of violent demonstrations after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl eight days after arriving in the UK.
The protests began on 13 July following reports of a man acting “inappropriately towards a number of people” on 8 July. Kebatu was arrested and 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.
He appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 10 July, where he denied all charges. He has been remanded in custody with his trial due to begin on 26 August.
Chief Constable Refuses to Resign
The arrest footage comes as Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington rejected calls from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to resign after footage emerged of officers escorting pro-migrant activists to the hotel where violent clashes erupted.
Asked if he would stand down, Harrington said: “No, I am not [resigning]. The issue is not about my resignation. The issue is about an effective police operation that keeps the communities of Epping safe.
Essex Police had initially denied bringing Stand Up to Racism activists to the hotel on 17 July before the clashes. However, after being shown footage, the force admitted it had provided a “foot cordon” around protesters.
The force denied Farage’s claims that pro-migrant protesters were “bussed” in police vans to the demonstration. A spokesman said: “Officers did provide a foot cordon around protesters on their way to the protest, where they and others were allowed to exercise their right to protest.
Police Defence of Actions
Harrington rejected claims his officers had given a higher level of protection to pro-migrant protesters, stating: “The only protection that officers are doing is to those lawful and law-abiding people… We are not being partial in any way, shape or form.”
The force confirmed that some people “who were clearly at risk of being hurt were also escorted by vehicle away from the area for their safety” but categorically denied driving any counter-protesters to the site.
Asked about comments from politicians accused of stoking demonstrations, Harrington said it was “not the police’s job to clamp down on elected politicians” but added: “All I’m asking is people are responsible for what they say and consider the real-world consequences.
Bodycam Evidence
In the arrest footage released today, officers can be heard explaining the arrest procedure to the suspect, stating: “The reason for your arrest is so we can interview you about it and also do post arrest searches. So we will be searching for items of clothing you were wearing on the day.”
The video shows the professional manner of the arrest, with officers calmly explaining the suspect’s rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act before conducting a search of the property.
After handcuffing the suspect, an officer tells a colleague: “He’s going to come with you. He’s going to sit in the back with you. You got to go behind this one,” as they prepare to transport him for questioning.
Ongoing Investigation
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow described the violent disorder as “not protest” but “hooliganism”, warning that those responsible “can expect to be held accountable.”
The investigation continues at pace, with Essex Police analysing CCTV footage and social media content to identify further suspects. The force has been supported by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police during the operation.
Epping Forest District Council, which has long opposed using the Bell Hotel for asylum accommodation, condemned the violence but reiterated calls for the facility to close. Council Leader Chris Whitbread said the hotel was “an entirely unsuitable location” that puts pressure on local services and causes “understandable concern for residents.
As arrests continue and the investigation progresses, Essex Police have emphasised their commitment to maintaining public safety whilst respecting the right to peaceful protest, warning that violence and disorder will result in swift action and prosecution.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
