Police have launched a major investigation after violent scenes broke out during a protest outside a hotel in Epping believed to be housing asylum seekers. Fireworks were set off, eggs thrown, and police vehicles damaged outside the Bell Hotel on Thursday night — the latest flashpoint following a sexual assault charge against 38-year-old Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who denies attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

Essex Police confirmed one man was arrested at the protest on suspicion of affray in connection with an incident reported near the hotel on Sunday. The force said a peaceful protest earlier in the evening had descended into violence when "a number of people disrupted peaceful protests with projectiles". Officers came under sustained attack, and one was left with a minor injury to the neck. Police vehicles and parts of the hotel were also damaged, and detectives have already identified several suspects.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: "Disruption and offending is never an appropriate response, no matter the strength of feeling in this case, and on this issue. People protesting peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us – and the wider public – no concern. However, we can never, and will never, tolerate criminal behaviour of any sort and anyone identified as committing crime will be dealt with robustly."

He continued: "I am sure those living in Epping have concerns following tonight. I share those concerns. We know the people who carried out these crimes do not represent Epping or Essex. Nothing about the offending we saw tonight is representative of these communities, or the peaceful event that ended before this started. This was crime."

Mr Anslow confirmed that officers were supported on the ground by colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police as tensions escalated in the town centre. “Faced with significant hostility,” he said, “our officers responded to that offending.”

He added: "Our detectives are already working through the footage of this evening – from our officers’ bodyworn camera, from our drones and from social media – and where offences are identified we will take action.

"People attended the earlier protest and did so peacefully, lawfully and responsibly. I’d like to thank them for expressing their views this way given the strength of feeling locally."

Essex Police said patrols would continue in the area in the days ahead, with officers encouraging residents to approach them with any concerns or information.

"If you’re in Epping over the coming days you’ll see us out on patrol and we want to hear from you," a spokesperson added.