Essex Police are staring down a massive £1.7 million policing bill as protests in Epping rage on. The uproar kicked off after asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu was charged with sexual offences in July, sparking relentless demonstrations outside england/the-bell/”>england/the-bell/”>The Bell Hotel, where Kebatu was housed before he was locked up.

Thousands Flood the Streets Over Asylum Scandal

Since Kebatu’s arrest, thousands have taken to the streets, with some protesters travelling all the Wayway from Wales. The Bell Hotel has become a flashpoint as Essex Police made 32 arrests linked to clashes at the site. While many protests remained peaceful, chaos erupted on 17 July, leaving eight officers injured after fireworks and eggs were thrown.

Essex Police Slammed With Sky-High Costs

Roger hirst/”>Hirst, Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, told a local crime panel the force had to deploy a “substantial level” of resources just to keep a lid on the situation. But the Government only chips in when costs hit £4 million, leaving the force to foot the bill for now. “It’s a classic public service conundrum,” said Hirst. “You have the requirement right now, you have to do it. That’s the job.”

Legal Battle Over Asylum Seeker Housing Intensifies

Epping Forest District Council is locked in a courtroom battle/”>battle to stop The Bell Hotel from housing asylum seekers. Though it snagged a temporary injunction in August, the Court of Appeal later quashed it. The full showdown is set for The Highthe High Court on 15 October.

Hadush Kebatu, from Ethiopia, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was sentenced to one year behind bars following a Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court trial.