LONDON, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Eight police officers were injured during clashes with protesters outside a hotel in Epping, Essex, on Thursday night, local media reported on Friday.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper told a press conference that the officers injured suffered hand injuries, along with cuts and grazes.
The Bell Hotel is reportedly used to accommodate asylum seekers. Footage from the scene showed protesters approaching a police van parked outside the hotel and hurling objects at it. Eggs were also thrown, and fireworks were set off during the unrest.
According to Sky News, the demonstration was the latest in a string of nightly protests that erupted after a 38-year-old man was accused of sexual assault last week. The allegations stem from claims that he attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. ■
