ESSEX Police is treating an investigation into a serious assault as “racially aggravated”.

Last Sunday, there was a planned protest in the area of The Bell Hotel in Epping. No offences were reported between the two groups of people at the protest site.  

However, officers are investigating an incident where two male security staff members were seriously assaulted by a group of men at a bus stop in High Road.

The two victims managed to make their way past the protest site into the hotel, where there was a significant policing presence, to get help.

The force confirmed both victims have received hospital treatment for serious injuries, which are not life-threatening or life-changing.

The incident is being investigated extensively by detectives in Loughton CID and treated as “racially aggravated” at this stage.

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Site - The victims found help inside The Bell Hotel Site - The victims found help inside The Bell Hotel (Image: Google Maps) Superintendent Tim Tubbs said: “We understand people’s right to make their voices heard on issues which matter to them. We don’t seek to stifle this.

“People who do this peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us – and the wider public – no concern.  

“However, we can never and will never tolerate criminal violence of any sort and anyone identified as committing crime will be dealt with robustly.

“There will continue to be a very visible policing presence in Epping in the coming days to ensure the safety of our community.

“If you’ve got concerns or information you feel we need to know, please do not hesitate to contact those officers.”