Essex Police's chief constable has denied claims officers forced counter-protesters to demonstrate outside a hotel housing asylum seekers following Nigel Farage's comments.
The leader of the Reform UK party has called for the resignation of Police Chief Ben-Julian Harrington in a post on Platform X.
A series of protests took place outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, this month after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault.
Clacton MP Mr Farage added to the videos posted online on Wednesday: “This video confirms @EssexPoliceUK transported leftwing protesters to the Bell Hotel in Epping.
“Police Chief B.J. Harrington will not be able to remain in office.”
Mr Harrington told a news conference on Wednesday that it was “not about my resignation, it was about effective policing”.
He noted that accusations that police officers were transporting people to the protest were “not true.”
“We did not force anyone to participate in this protest,” he said.
“People came there themselves.
“We took people away for their safety and the safety of everyone present, as it was the best operational decision to prevent violence and de-escalate the situation.”
Police said officers “ensured protesters were cordoned off on foot as they walked to the protest” and then escorted some away from the site by car “for their safety.”
Asked about the comments made online, Mr Harrington said: “It's not my job to silence people or tell them what they should or shouldn't say.
“My message to people, whether they are national party leaders or just anyone who wants to comment on something, is please think about the real-world consequences of your actions.”
The protests began after asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasi Kebat, 38, was charged with sexual assault after he allegedly tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
He denied the charges when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court last week. His trial is scheduled for August.
On Wednesday, Mr Harrington said police had made 10 arrests since the protests.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
