Flare lit during anti-social disorder in Epping

Flares have also been lit during previous demonstrations in Epping (archive image)

A man was arrested on suspicion of assault and a flare was lit during anti-social scenes, police said.

The disorder in Epping, Essex, on Friday followed several weeks of demonstrations in the town.

Police were granted extra powers to disperse crowds throughout the evening until 06:00 BST on Saturday.

"Our officers will be back on patrol over the weekend," warned Ch Supt Simon Anslow.

"Lighting flares in public spaces poses a clear and real risk to anyone nearby."

Essex Police said the man who was arrested remained in custody.

Thousands of people have attended anti-immigration protests and counter-demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel since early July.

They were organised after an asylum seeker living there was arrested on suspicion of five offences, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

Hadush Kebatu, from Ethiopia, was found guilty of all charges at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Police have made 32 arrests in connection with incidents of disorder and 21 people have been charged.