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Essex Police Denies Claims of Busing Counter-Demonstrators to Asylum Seeker Protests

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Protests have been ongoing outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, is being held on charges of sexual assault. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, escalated into disorder and criminal damage, with eight officers injured and five men charged with disorder. Essex Police has denied claims that they bused counter-demonstrators to the protests, calling them "categorically wrong."

Key Takeaways:

  • Essex Police has denied claims that they transported counter-demonstrators to the protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, stating that they provided a foot cordon and escorted people away from the area for their safety.
  • The protests began peacefully but escalated into disorder and criminal damage, with eight officers injured and five men charged with disorder.
  • A series of demonstrations has taken place outside the hotel since Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident in which he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
  • Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has called for Essex Police's chief constable to resign over the allegations, citing a video that appears to show police transporting people to the protests.
  • Four men have been charged with violent disorder in connection with the protests, while a fifth man has been charged with failing to remove a face covering when told to do so.

Statistics:

  • Eight police officers were injured during the protests.
  • Five men have been charged with disorder in connection with the protests.
  • The cost of policing the incidents in Epping over the last week has reached £100,000.
  • Four men have been charged with violent disorder in connection with the protests.
  • A fifth man has been charged with failing to remove a face covering when told to do so.

Sources:

  • Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage), Twitter post, July 23, 2025
  • Essex Police spokesperson, statement, July 23, 2025
  • "Protests outside asylum seeker hotel in Epping," PA Wire, July 2025 (no exact date given)
  • "Angela Rayner made 'a big mistake' over riots warning, Michael Gove claims," The Telegraph, July 2025 (no exact date given)
  • "Cleverly: Starmer more interested in housing asylum seekers than hard workers," The Telegraph, July 2025 (no exact date given)

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