Charges dropped against protester at The Bell Hotel in Epping

Charges against a woman accused of breaking conditions placed on protests about a hotel housing asylum seekers have been dropped.

Sarah White climbed the steps of Epping Forest District Council’s offices after giving a speech and marching from the town’s The Bell Hotel on 31 August.

The 40-year-old, from Chigwell, unfurled a Union flag before being arrested on suspicion of two public order offences.

Essex Police said the charges had been withdrawn on Wednesday, prompting Ms White to post on X that her treatment had been “unjust”.

She was due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court earlier to answer to the allegations.

“The reason there is no evidence is simple: I did not commit a crime,” said Ms White, who was wearing a “The only way is Epping” T-shirt during her arrest.

“This was an unlawful attempt to intimidate and silence ordinary people who dare to speak out.

“It is unacceptable that dissent is met with force and fear.”

Essex Police stressed Ms White had not been arrested for unfurling the flag.

Thousands of people protested in Epping between July and September over the use of The Bell Hotel for housing asylum seekers. There were also counter protests.

Policing the demonstrations had cost about £1.54m, a court previously heard.

Epping Forest District Council’s bid to block the use of The Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers is being heard in the High Court.