Chaos in Epping: Anti-Migrant Protesters March Despite Heavy Police Presence
Tensions boiled over again in Epping as anti-migrant demonstrators marched from the Bell Hotel to the Epping Forest District Council offices. The protests come after days of unrest outside local hotels housing asylum seekers.
Protest Turns Chaotic, Police Step In
What began as a peaceful protest earlier this week quickly descended into chaos, forcing Essex Police to issue a dispersal order across the town centre and nearby areas. Despite police efforts, demonstrators—some fenced in outside the Bell Hotel—staged a march demanding the immediate closure of the hotel and others like it.
Heavy Police Deployment to Control Unrest
More than ten police vans rolled into Epping, with officers from multiple forces including Kent, the Met, West Mercia, Hampshire, Staffordshire, Norfolk, and Wales joining the operation. The police set up a tight cordon to keep rival groups apart, as counter-protesters also arrived on the scene.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Those who exercise their right to protest peacefully have nothing to worry about. But we will not hesitate to make arrests when criminality occurs.”
Police Hunt Key Protesters Amid Rising Arrests
Authorities are now after Martin Peagram (33), Shaun Thompson (37), and Philip Curson (52) over disorder outside the Bell Hotel. Sixteen arrests have been made so far, with more expected as investigations continue.
Essex Police confirmed the cost of managing the unrest has already topped £100,000, highlighting the strain on local resources.
