Dozens of asylum seekers were abruptly evacuated from a controversial Essex hotel after a potentially deadly bacteria was discovered in the water system, the Mirror can reveal.
The Home Office confirmed that all residents were moved from The Bell Hotel in Epping as a precautionary measure following the detection of Legionella bacteria, which causes the severe and sometimes fatal Legionnaires' disease.
Urgent Precautionary Measures
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated: "The health and safety of asylum seekers in our care is our utmost priority. We swiftly acted on public health advice and temporarily relocated all residents from The Bell Hotel to alternative accommodation."
They further confirmed that "all guests will be moved back to the hotel once we have received the necessary assurances that the issue has been resolved."
Local Reaction and Ongoing Tensions
The hotel's use as asylum seeker accommodation has been a focal point of local discontent. Outraged protesters have gathered outside the establishment for weeks, waving banners with slogans like "STOP THE INVASION" and "SAVE OUR TOWN."
Residents have voiced strong opposition, citing a lack of consultation and concerns over the town's infrastructure. The recent health scare has only intensified the debate surrounding the government's use of hotels for housing asylum seekers.
The discovery of Legionella will likely fuel further criticism of the policy, with critics questioning the suitability of the accommodation being provided.
