Asylum seekers at a migrant hotel in Epping were subjected to a night of terror after a gang of masked attackers launched a violent assault on their accommodation, hurling flares and a lit firebomb.
The shocking incident, which is being treated by police as a suspected racially motivated hate crime, unfolded on Sunday night, leaving residents—including young children—fearing for their lives.
A Scene of Panic and Fear
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as bright orange flares were thrown onto the grounds of the hotel, followed by an improvised explosive device that ignited on the driveway. The attack caused significant damage to the property's exterior and sent plumes of smoke into the night air.
One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the profound fear inside the building: "We are already scared, and now this has happened. We have children with us... we were so, so scared." The individual added that many occupants are from conflict zones and the experience has retraumatised them.
Police Response and Investigation
Essex Police have launched a major investigation into the attack. A spokesperson confirmed that a suspected incendiary device was recovered from the scene and is being forensically examined. Detectives are scouring CCTV footage from the area in an attempt to identify the perpetrators, who were seen fleeing in a vehicle.
While no arrests have been made yet, the force has assured the public that they are pursuing strong leads. The attack has been widely condemned by local officials and community leaders, who have called for unity and calm.
Broader Context and Tensions
The targeting of the Epping Hotel is not an isolated event. It highlights the growing tensions in some communities surrounding the government's use of contingency accommodation for asylum seekers. The incident has sparked a fresh debate about the rhetoric used in the national immigration discourse and its potential to incite real-world violence.
Local authorities and support groups are now providing additional welfare checks and support to the traumatised residents, ensuring their safety and well-being in the aftermath of the attack.
