Anti-Migrant Protesters March on Epping Council Offices After Being Fenced in Outside Migrant Hotel
Tensions have flared again in Epping as anti-migrant demonstrators marched from the Bell Hotel to the Epping Forest District Council offices following days of unrest outside two local hotels used to house asylum seekers.
The protest—initially peaceful—turned chaotic earlier this week, prompting Essex Police to issue a dispersal order across the town centre and surrounding areas. Today, demonstrators, some fenced in outside the Bell Hotel, began a march demanding the immediate closure of the hotel and others like it.
Heavy Police Presence Across Town
More than ten police vans and officers from multiple forces—including Kent, the Met, Warwickshire, West Mercia, Hampshire, Staffordshire, Norfolk, and Wales—were deployed to Epping to manage the unrest. Officers maintained a tight cordon to separate rival demonstrators, with counter-protesters also appearing at the scene.
Essex Police stated that protests began peacefully but “escalated to the point of disorder and criminal damage,” with eight officers injured and numerous police vehicles damaged since protests began on 17 July.
Sixteen arrests have been made in connection with the disorder, including four charged with violent disorder.
Triggered by Assault Allegation
The protests intensified following news that Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, an asylum seeker housed at the Bell Hotel, was charged with sexual assault after allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court earlier this week and denied the charge.
Council Demands Hotel Closures
Council Leader Chris Whitbread is leading a motion calling for the “immediate and permanent closure” of both the Bell Hotel in Epping and the Phoenix Hotel in Bobbingworth.
“Repeated warnings to the Home Office about the unsuitability of both sites have gone unheeded,” Whitbread said.
“The Government’s actions are reckless and have potentially endangered public safety.”
The motion, to be discussed at a council meeting Thursday night, states there is “no transparency” over who is being housed at the hotels, calling the situation unacceptable for small towns and rural communities.
Protest Footage & National Scrutiny
Footage posted online shows anti-migrant protesters clashing with police and calling for the removal of migrants from local accommodation. Some demonstrators were seen carrying “Stop the Boats” signs, while others faced off with counter-demonstrators advocating against hate.
A child was seen climbing on one protest sign as tensions mounted.
Migration Minister Seema Malhotra acknowledged the controversy surrounding the police’s handling of the rival protest groups. She confirmed police “have questions to answer” after initially denying—but later admitting—they had guided pro-migrant protesters toward the Bell Hotel.
Dispersal Order & Timeline
A dispersal order covering central Epping and key transport hubs is in force from 2pm Thursday to 8am Friday, with a curfew of 10pm imposed on all protest activity. Protesters failing to comply risk arrest.
Essex Police reiterated that they remain “impartial” and that efforts to facilitate lawful protests continue.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:
“Those who exercise their right to protest peacefully have nothing to worry about.
But we will not hesitate to make arrests when criminality occurs.”
Wanted Protesters Named
Police are seeking Martin Peagram (33), Shaun Thompson (37), and Philip Curson (52) in connection with disorder outside the Bell Hotel. Sixteen arrests have already been made, and officers say more are expected as investigations continue.
The cost of policing the unrest has surpassed £100,000, Essex Police confirmed.
