Asylum seekers have been removed from the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex, following violent protests linked to a sexual assault by a resident. The Home Office has terminated its contract with the hotel, which will cease being used from 11 July.
The hotel became a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests last summer after an asylum seeker sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman. Far-right activists exploited the protests, leading to nights of violent clashes with police.
Epping District Council announced the removal on Thursday night, stating the Home Office confirmed the contract termination. The Home Office cited fire and safety concerns as a precautionary measure but did not clarify if residents would return after work was completed.
Local opponents of far-right activity expressed concern that the council's statement effectively prevented residents from returning, even if the removal was initially temporary. The High Court had ruled in November that asylum seekers could continue to be housed at the hotel, despite the council seeking a permanent injunction.
The asylum seeker responsible for the assaults, Hadush Kebatu, was deported to Ethiopia in October. Protests have continued intermittently, with two security guards assaulted in a racially motivated attack and police attacked during July violence.
A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The government is removing the incentives drawing illegal migrants to Britain. That is why we will close every single asylum hotel, moving illegal migrants into basic accommodation like military barracks.'
