Epping publican Adam Brooks has warned that Britain could face civil unrest as anti-migrant protests spread across the country.

Speaking on GB News, Brooks described local residents as "really worried and really scared" about asylum seekers being housed in a nearby hotel.

He rejected claims that protesters were far-right extremists, stating: "I stood alongside elderly people and school children in their uniforms who are worried about their communities."

Brooks revealed that "a big group of women and children will be at the next protest, standing together to say, 'we're not far-right, we're just scared'", which he believed would send a powerful message.

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The publican expressed concern that incidents across the country could trigger wider unrest, particularly against the Labour Government.

Violent disorder erupted during protests near The Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening, with Essex Police reporting eight officers injured and two arrests made.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said the violence began around 6:30pm when individuals "had come here intentionally to be involved in that kind of selfish vandalism and violence".

Essex Police confirmed one man was arrested on suspicion of affray after protesters used fireworks and eggs in the crowds. A section of High Road, Epping, was closed for public safety.

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The Metropolitan Police, who supported Essex officers at the scene, confirmed a police van "made contact" with a protester whilst attempting to leave the area after being blocked in by protesters using barriers.

Despite claims on social media, police confirmed no one entered the hotel building, though damage was caused to the property.

Brooks warned that "a lot of the anger is against this Labour Government" and feared that "little incidents happening across the country will make people think, 'I've had enough', there's an anti-establishment anger out there."

When asked about potential race riots this summer, he stated: "I think we could be seeing that, yes."

GB NEWS | Protests broke out in Epping

The publican criticised what he called "the so-called anti racism mob" for "turning up and inciting what started as a peaceful protest". He emphasised: "This is not about race."

Brooks described receiving abuse online, saying: "You can call me far-right. I put myself online and I can expect name calling and abuse. Your average mother and father should not be called far-right for wanting this hotel closed."

He added: "I have lost count at how many parents of children at this local school have told me they have a problem. The community is in despair."

The protests followed the arrest of an asylum seeker on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town. Conservative leader of Epping Forest District Council Chris Whitbread called for an end to the hotel being used to house asylum seekers.

He was joined by Conservative MPs Neil Hudson and Alex Burghart, who claimed the Home Office did not understand the "seriousness of this situation".

Brooks insisted his concerns were not racially motivated, stating: "If these were white migrants from Ukraine, Albania or wherever and this was happening, myself and other residents would still be protesting at this hotel."

He claimed police had exacerbated tensions at the protest, which he said "largely went ok, spoilt by a couple of idiots", by marching towards counter-protesters "of which many were being aggressive. Then it erupted."