The police chief at the centre of a row over a protest at an asylum seeker hotel has hit back against calls to resign.
Ben-Julian Harrington from Essex Police thanked the peaceful protesters at the hotel in Epping but confirmed 10 arrests had been made.
When asked at a press conference about his resignation, he told a press conference: "The issue is not about my resignation. It is about the people of Epping.
"It is not for Essex Police to make a judgement about asylum or immigration policy. That is for government. It is for Essex Police and the police more generally to make sure that people can go about their rights and business lawfully."
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|Ben-Julian Harrington addresses a press conference
When pressed if he would resign over the incident, he said: "The issue is about effective police operation that keeps the communities of Epping safe.
Asked if one side had been given preferential treatment, Ben-Julian Harrington said: "No, I don’t accept that.
“The only protection that officers have given is to those lawful and law-abiding people, whether they are in that accommodation, whether they are the people of Epping or whether they are people who are standing there... with placards and banners wishing to make a very important and legitimate view, whichever your views about it.
"Where officers have intervened that is because there has been disorder...We are not being partial in any way, shape or form."
PA | Police officers and protesters on Hemnall Street in Epping
When asked what words he had to parents who were concerned about rioting, he said: "I say to those parents we will have a robust policing operation. Essex is safe. You will have hundreds of officers on duty."