Essex Police said in a statement: “We’re putting in place a Section 60AA order in Epping to stop anyone coming into the area to conceal their identity.

“Since mid-afternoon today, Friday 29 August, there has been a small group of people gathering outside The Bell Hotel and there have been no issues reported or seen by officers in the area.

“Throughout the evening, we have monitored a protest in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, and we now believe a group of people present there are planning to travel to Epping. A number of people involved in that group have been seen wearing facemasks and balaclavas.

“The order covers the area shown in the map below and is in place for up to 24 hours. The authorisation also covers policing colleagues in British Transport Police.

“Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: “We will always seek to facilitate peaceful protest, for all groups.

“But the threat of anti-social behaviour and criminality by people attempting to conceal their identity steps outside of the reasonableness of protest and we have a duty to protect our community.

“My officers will be fair and engaging, but they will be firm in how they deal with anyone who is asked to remove a face covering and refuses. Anyone who does not will face arrest.”