Violence erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Epping on Thursday evening, leading to two arrests and injuries to eight police officers. A crowd, some wearing masks, threw bottles and fireworks, and jumped onto police vans, prompting a major policing response.
Far-right activists joined local residents in protesting outside the Bell Hotel, while a counter-demonstration by Stand up to Racism was reportedly surrounded. Essex Police described the behaviour as criminal, with officers assaulted and vehicles damaged. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said the force would ensure those responsible face the full force of the law.
Police noted that the earlier protest had been peaceful before being disrupted by a minority. The violence followed a court appearance by an asylum seeker charged with sexual assault, which had heightened tensions. Two security guards were also seriously injured in a separate alleged racially aggravated attack on Sunday.
A 65-year-old man, Dean Walters, has been charged with affray and released on bail. Another individual was arrested for failing to comply with dispersal orders. Police are reviewing footage from body-worn cameras, drones, and social media to identify further offenders.
Local MPs and Conservative council leader Chris Whitbread have called for an end to the use of the Bell Hotel to house asylum seekers, citing community concerns. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow stressed that the violent actions do not represent the local community and appealed for respect for the ongoing court case.
