Violence Erupts Outside Essex Asylum Hotel: 380 Officers Deployed as Bricks, Bottles and Sticks Thrown at Police
A major public order incident erupted in Epping on Thursday evening after a protest outside the Bell Hotel escalated into violent clashes, prompting the deployment of over 380 police officers from Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and Hertfordshire Constabulary.
What began as a peaceful demonstration over the recent arrest of an Ethiopian asylum seeker accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl turned chaotic around 8pm, when officers issued a Section 39 dispersal order to the crowd gathered outside the hotel.
Protesters reportedly refused to disperse, and some began hurling bricks, bottles, sticks, road signs, and cones at officers. Scenes quickly descended into street-level disorder, with injuries and property damage reported.
Metropolitan Police Deployed in Riot Gear
Specialist public order units from the Metropolitan Police Tactical Support Group (TSG) and the Commissioner’s Reserve were urgently deployed to support Essex officers already on the ground.
The area surrounding the Bell Hotel has now been cordoned off, and a large police presence is expected to remain overnight.
Community Response
Local residents watched in disbelief as the scene unfolded in the heart of their town.
“We were worried it would get worse, but once the reinforcements came, the police moved fast and got things under control,” said one resident living near the hotel.
https:///youtu.be/Bw4LhlVAgAk
The Bell Hotel has reportedly been used to house asylum seekers for several years and has become the centre of mounting public frustration following the criminal charges brought against Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38.
Official Statements Awaited
We have contacted both Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police Service for official statements. While neither force has issued a detailed press release at this time, a formal update is expected shortly.
