Six people have been arrested as dozens of protesters gathered outside an Essex hotel used to house asylum seekers. More than 100 demonstrators assembled outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday evening. Some set off flares in blue and red, while others held signs which read “deport foreign criminals”, “we go home when they go back” and “defend our girls”. Bottles and smoke flares were later thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel on the High Road. Essex Police said four people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with violence which broke out during an earlier protest on Thursday evening, which saw eight police officers injured. A fifth person was arrested thanks after being tracked down by a police helicopter following damage to one of the force’s unmarked vehicles. Police had to escort an elderly woman who was counter-protesting out of the area surrounding the Bell Hotel, as a group of masked protesters followed her and shouted abuse. Officers said missiles were thrown at her as a number of people tried to reach her. Epping High Road was closed for several hours due to the presence of protesters. Police put a Section 60AA order in place banning the wearing of face coverings and balaclavas, which lasted until 4am on Monday. It comes after a man was charged with violent disorder and criminal damage on Sunday afternoon following previous clashes outside the hotel. Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, was arrested on Saturday, Essex Police said. The force said on Sunday that the CPS had authorised police to charge Silk with one count of violent disorder and one count of criminal damage. He was remanded into custody and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle. “For anyone who thinks we will tolerate their thuggery – think again. Individuals who thought that after last Thursday, turned up this evening only to find themselves getting arrested and we have continued to arrest others throughout the evening. “I would also like to set the record straight around misinformation that Essex Police is anything other than impartial. “We don’t take sides, we arrest criminals and we have a duty to ensure no-one is hurt – plain and simple. I know the people of Essex know what we’re about so I know they won’t believe the rubbish circulating online that is designed to do nothing more than inflame tensions and trouble. “I think I speak for all of us – including the people of Epping – when I say we’ve had enough of your criminality. But our cells, which have been filling up throughout the evening, are ready for you, so don’t be in any doubt that this is where you will be sleeping.” Sunday’s demonstration was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.