A man has been charged with violent disorder and criminal damage following clashes outside a hotel in Essex believed to be housing asylum seekers. Eight police officers were injured following what started as a peaceful protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening.

Police officers were assaulted and their vehicles damaged during a protest at a hotel used to house asylum seekers. Hundreds of people protesting about the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping were at the site on Thursday, as well as a smaller pro-refugee demonstration.

Protesters have clashed with police outside an Essex hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers. Footage appeared to show people approaching and throwing objects at a police van which was parked outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening.