Essex Police officers have been spotted shepherding pro-migrant protesters to the hotel in Epping at the heart of this week's unrest. The force had at first denied escorting the demonstrators to the hotel - but have now U-turned to claim it was officers' "duty" to do so.

Tensions rise as Essex Police backtrack on their initial denial, revealing their role in escorting activists to a hotel at the heart of violent protests.

Four men have been charged with violent disorder after protests outside a hotel in Essex believed to be housing asylum seekers, police say.