Violence Erupts Again at Epping’s Bell Hotel Migrant Protests
A second night of chaos rocked Epping, Essex, as violent protests outside the Bell Hotel spiralled out of control on Sunday. Furious locals and police faced off against rioters throwing rocks, smoke flares, and abuse. Shouts of “Go home!” rang out from fed-up residents watching from their windows above the mayhem.
Locals Turn on Rioters as Protest Turns Ugly
The Bell Hotel, currently housing asylum seekers, has become the flashpoint for mounting anti-migrant protests. The unrest is linked to the recent arrest of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, charged with attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into violent disorder. As hundreds gathered again Sunday night, tensions flared not just between protesters and officers but also between locals and the mob. One resident shouted from his flat, “Some of us have work in the morning!” while smoke flares illuminated the darkened street.
A counter-protester from Stand Up To Racism was pelted with missiles and had to be escorted to safety by police.
Police Under Attack: Vehicles Vandalised, Helicopter Chase Ends in Arrest
Violence escalated as one police car’s windscreen was smashed amid the chaos. Across the night, five arrests were made—four linked to Thursday’s violent protest and another after a dramatic helicopter-assisted pursuit involving an unmarked police vehicle.
In a worrying moment, a woman walking near the protest zone was targeted with abuse and projectiles. Police quickly stepped in to shield her and guide her away from harm.
Essex Police Crack Down: “Our Cells Are Filling Up”
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow blasted the rioters, declaring:
“We’ve seen yet another protest escalate into mindless thuggery. For those who think we’ll tolerate this—think again. Our cells have been filling up all evening, and that’s where many of you will be sleeping tonight.”
Anslow stressed Essex Police’s neutrality, focusing solely on arresting criminals and protecting the public. He dismissed online misinformation as “rubbish” meant to stir tensions.
Face Coverings Ban Enforced Amid Clashes
A Section 60AA order remains active, empowering police to demand removal of face coverings. Protesters sporting balaclavas and masks flouted the order, risking arrest and possible jail time.
“Anyone refusing to remove face coverings risks arrest and possible imprisonment,” said an Essex Police spokesperson.
Wanted: Police Hunt Trio Linked to Thursday’s Violence
Police released images of three men wanted over violent disorder and assaults on officers during Thursday’s riot, which left eight officers injured and several vehicles damaged.
Community Outraged: “We’ve Had Enough of This Madness”
Local residents expressed shock and fury at the ongoing violence. One woman said:
“This is not acceptable. We have families here. These thugs were shouting, chucking things… it’s disgusting.”
Another added:
“It’s not ideal living near a migrant hotel, but it’s far worse having rioters turn the street into a war zone.”
Hotel staff confirmed that the car park remains closed over fears of further unrest.
Key Incident Timeline
- Thursday 17 July: Peaceful protest turns into riot. Over 180 officers deployed, 8 injured.
- Sunday 20 July: Renewed protest sparks fresh violence; 5 arrested, police car damaged.
- Section 60AA order: Enforced until Monday morning to curb disorder.
Police Appeal for Information
Essex Police urge anyone with information or footage of the protests to visit www.essex.police.uk or call 101, quoting relevant protest references.
