PROTESTERS will send a clear message to fascist Tommy Robinson that he is not welcome in Epping this weekend.

The founder of the English Defence League has announced plans to visit the Essex town on Sunday to join the latest in a series of far-right protests outside a local hotel housing refugees.

In response, Stand Up to Racism has organised a counter-demonstration, scheduled to begin near the Bell Hotel at 4pm.

Six people were arrested after a far-right protest outside the premises turned violent on Sunday.

More than 100 demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans such as “save our kids” and holding racist signs saying “British people before boat people” and “we go home when they go back.”

One counter-protester, an elderly woman, had to be escorted by police as protesters surrounded her and shouted abuse.

Bottles and smoke flares were thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel.

The force said that one policeman was struck in the face by a bottle and taken to hospital.

Six people were arrested, including a 17-year-old male on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a police car.

Chief superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle.”

Violent clashes erupted outside the hotel on Thursday, during which protesters pelted plastic bottles and eggs at counter-demonstrators, vandalised police vans and injured eight officers.

Delegates to Waltham Forest Trades Council were among the counter-protesters physically attacked.

Waltham Forest Trades Council secretary Kevin Parslow said: “Sadly we have seen a rise in protests about migrant support services, many turning to violence by right-wing racist thugs.

“We need to learn the lessons of not-so-distant European history, and the trade union movement must step up its activities to counter the rise of the right and Reform.”

The protests erupted after police arrested an asylum-seeker staying at the hotel following allegations that he tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

He denied the sexual assault charges when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.