All residents have been removed from The Bell Hotel in Essex, a property used to house asylum seekers that became the focus of protests last year, Epping Forest District Council has confirmed.
On Thursday, the council stated it was aware that the Home Office had vacated all individuals staying at the hotel, with only security staff remaining on site.
Last year, the location drew significant protests after hotel resident Hadush Kebatu sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. The incident sparked widespread outrage and heightened tensions in the community.
In a statement, Epping Forest District Council said: “Despite ongoing engagement with the Home Office, we did not know in advance that this was going to happen. We are seeking clarification from the Home Office on the details of what has happened and what their next steps will be.”
The Home Office has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
The removal of all asylum seekers from the hotel marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of the property for housing migrants. The council’s statement underscores a lack of prior communication from the Home Office regarding the evacuation.
Local residents and officials have expressed concerns over safety and the management of asylum accommodations in the area. The fate of the relocated individuals remains unclear, as does the future use of The Bell Hotel.
