Following protests outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on July 17th, Essex Police categorically denied allegations that they transported pro-refugee demonstrators to the site. The protests, which involved clashes between pro- and anti-refugee groups, resulted in eight police officers and two hotel staff members being injured. Ten arrests have been made, and four men have been charged with violent disorder, with one also facing charges of criminal damage and another for refusing to remove a face covering. The protests, attracting over 1,000 people across multiple days, followed the charging of an asylum seeker, Hadush Kebatu (41), with sexual offences, which he denies.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington condemned the violence and urged against the spread of misinformation, while acknowledging peaceful participation. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for the chief constable's resignation over accusations of police misconduct. Similar protests have also taken place at the Britannia International Hotel in London's Canary Wharf following its designation as asylum accommodation.

Impact Statement: The incident highlights rising tensions surrounding asylum seeker housing and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing opposing protests.