Protesters gather in Epping as bottles and flares are thrown

Bottles and smoke flares have been thrown towards police vehicles during a protest at a hotel used to house asylum seekers.

Hundreds of people have gathered at the site of the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after a protest was organised for 18:00 BST.

The disorder followed the arrest and charge of an asylum seeker on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town.

Essex Police announced it would enforce a Section 60AA order until Monday – to require the removal of face coverings – after unrest at the site on Thursday, which saw three arrests.

Demonstrators chanted “send them home” and “save our kids”, as projectiles were thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel.

A small number of protesters wore balaclavas and face coverings during the protest.

The Section 60AA order comes after police said a protest on Thursday saw people wearing face coverings and “committing serious acts of disorder”.

A spokesperson for the force added: “We will deal robustly and quickly with anyone intent on coming into Epping to commit selfish criminal behaviour.

“The right to peaceful protest is protected by law and allows everyone freedom of expression, but this must be done respectfully and if there is a risk to public order we will act appropriately.”

The order was in place around Epping including its tube station.