The man was arrested yesterday after by officers on patrol yesterday evening following an assault reported on Sunday evening (July 13).
Dean Walters, 65, from Corner Meadow in Harlow, has been charged with affray.
He’s been released on bail with strict conditions and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on September 24.
Man, 38, denies trying to kiss 14-year-old girl in Epping Forest
The assault comes alongside protests in the town on Thursday evening (July 17) after people gathered outside The Bell Hotel, which is currently housing asylum seekers.
Officers were attacked and vehicles damaged during protests.
Essex Police, supported by officers from the Met and British Transport Police, said they faced “significant hostility” from some individuals after the main protest had ended.
Some protesters threw objects, damaged police cars and the hotel, and one officer was left with a minor neck injury.
Police say they’ve already identified several suspects, and photos of them have been shared with other teams and forces nearby.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said many people had come to protest peacefully, but a small group later caused serious trouble.
He said: “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.
“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.
“The details of the ongoing sexual assault case can be found on our website, and I reiterate the importance for respect for the court process to prevent the release of any prejudicial information in relation to that case.”
Patrols will continue in Epping over the coming days, and anyone with information or footage is urged to come forward.
