Six Arrested Following Fresh Clashes at Epping Migrant Hotel Protest

Essex Police have confirmed the arrest of six individuals following a renewed evening of violence outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday, 20 July, as tensions over the hotel’s use as asylum accommodation continue to escalate.

According to police, four of those arrested were detained on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with the chaotic scenes witnessed during last Thursday’s protest, which saw multiple officers injured and property damaged.

Additional Arrests and Serious Incident

A fifth suspect was arrested for causing criminal damage to a police vehicle, while a sixth individual was taken into custody for being equipped to cause criminal damage.

One officer from Norfolk was struck in the face with a bottle and required hospital treatment, Essex Police confirmed.

During the protest, tensions rose again as a woman walking through the crowd became a target, with missiles thrown at her and verbal abuse hurled. Police escorted her away from danger.

Enhanced Police Powers Deployed

To manage escalating violence, officers invoked:

Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, enabling police to require the removal of face coverings such as balaclavas.
A Section 35 dispersal order was enforced to clear the protest area, including Epping High Road, which remained closed for several hours, disrupting the local community.

“We are grateful to the residents of Epping for their patience and support during the road closures,” said a police spokesperson.

Police remained on-site overnight into Monday morning, maintaining a high-visibility patrol to ensure community safety.

Arrest Breakdown

The six individuals arrested remain in custody:

A 36-year-old man from Epping – violent disorder (Section 2, Public Order Act)
A 47-year-old man from Waltham Abbey – violent disorder (Section 2, Public Order Act)
A 34-year-old man from Wickford – breach of Section 60AA order
A 51-year-old man from Epping – violent disorder (Section 2, Public Order Act)
A 17-year-old male from North Weald – criminal damage to a vehicle
A 16-year-old male from South London – going equipped to cause criminal damage

Police Statement: “Our Cells Are Ready”

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow condemned the ongoing violence:

“Yet another protest began peacefully but quickly escalated into mindless thuggery. We won’t tolerate this lawlessness — and we’ve made that clear with tonight’s arrests.”

“There’s been misinformation online suggesting Essex Police are not impartial. Let me be clear: we arrest criminals, we do not take sides.”

He added:

“To those coming to cause trouble: our cells are ready, and that’s where you’ll be sleeping.”

Context: Why Are Protests Happening?

The Bell Hotel has been the centre of multiple demonstrations after Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker, was charged with sexual assault after allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the allegations in court earlier this month.

Since then, tensions have flared, with counter-protesters, nationalist groups, and community residents clashing regularly outside the site.