Nigel Farage blamed “bad eggs” for demonstrations outside an Epping migrant hotel that descended into “mindless thuggery” as far-right activist Tommy Robinson threatened to mobilise thousands of supporters for a rally in the Essex town.
The Reform UK leader said he “understood” the anger after more than 100 demonstrators assembled outside the Bell Hotel on Sunday evening.
The disorder followed the arrest and charge of an asylum seeker on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town.
Mr Farage branded some of the protesters “far right thugs” but said most were “genuinely concerned families”. He also cited “Antifa” members as a source of crime. The anti-fascist protest group has often been blamed by US President Donald Trump for inciting violence at demonstrations.
It comes as Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, confirmed he will attend a rally in Epping on Sunday, July 27, sparking further concerns about rising tensions in the area.
“I don’t think anybody in London even understands just how close we are to civil disobedience on a vast scale in this country,” Mr Farage said on Monday.
“Of course, there were some bad eggs that turned up at Epping.
“There were the usual far right thugs, but equally, what about Antifa? Why are Antifa allowed to go to these demonstrations, to wear balaclavas, to not be identified, to do gestures of them shooting at members of the public...
“So, you know, it isn’t all far right thuggery, as you might sometimes hear from our Prime Minister.
“But do I understand how people in Epping feel? You bet your life I do.”
Police have arrested six people following the protests outside the Bell Hotel. Some set off smoke flares, while others held signs which read “deport foreign criminals” and “defend our girls”.
Officers escorted an elderly woman who was counter-protesting out of the area as a group of masked protesters followed her and shouted abuse.
Bottles were later thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel on High Road.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said it was disappointing to see it escalate into "mindless thuggery".
Responding to the incidents, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said on Monday: “Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy.
“But it’s clearly unacceptable to see police coming under attack.”
He added: “Of course we understand the public’s concerns about any criminal behaviour.”
Two men, aged 36 and 51, both from Epping and a 47-year-old man from Waltham Abbey were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
A 34-year-old man from Wickford was arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 60AA, put in place to give police powers to force people to remove face coverings.
A 17-year-old from North Weald was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a vehicle and a 16-year-old from south London was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to cause criminal damage.
