Protesters clash with police outside Essex hotel believed to house asylum seekers

Protesters have clashed with police outside an Essex hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Footage appeared to show people approaching and throwing objects at a police van which was parked outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening.

As the vehicle was driven away, one person climbed onto the front and held their hands in the air. Images showed an individual kicking the windscreen of the vehicle, completely smashing it in the process, while a crowd watched on.

Eggs were thrown and fireworks were also let off outside the hotel, in the latest night of demonstrations, which have repeatedly happened since a 38-year-old man was accused of sexual assault last week.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court earlier in the day, where he denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

One police officer was left with a neck injury after Thursday night's disruption, Essex Police said.

The force said it has identified several suspects it believes are responsible for "damaging police vehicles, the hotel and assaulting officers".

During the protest a section of High Road in Epping High was closed "for the safety of the public," police said in a statement.

The statement continued: "We will not tolerate any criminality on our streets, whether linked to protesting or not."

One man at Thursday's protest was arrested on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault near the hotel on Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: "Disruption and offending is never an appropriate response, no matter the strength of feeling in this case, and on this issue.

"People protesting peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us - and the wider public - no concern.

"However, we can never, and will never, tolerate criminal behaviour of any sort and anyone identified as committing crime will be dealt with robustly."

The first planned protest near the Bell Hotel took place on Sunday night.

While no offences were reported between two groups at the site, two male security staff members were assaulted by a group of men at a nearby bus stop, police said.

The two victims made their way past the protest site at the hotel to get help.

They have received hospital treatment for serious injuries and the incident is being investigated, the force said.

" At this stage, we're treating it as racially aggravated," they added.

Another incident took place on Tuesday when a man allegedly shouted racial abuse at the hotel before later causing damage to the property, police said.

He was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

(c) Sky News 2025: Protesters clash with police outside Essex hotel believed to house asylum seekers