Tommy Robinson to Stoke Fire at Epping Bell Hotel Protest
Epping, 21 July 2025 – Far-right figure Tommy Robinson has thrown his weight behind a mass protest in Epping on Sunday, July 27. The demonstration targets the Bell Hotel, where asylum seekers are currently housed, sparking fierce local unrest.
Robinson Declares “The Lion Will Roar” at Epping Rally
<pRobinson shared the protest call on X (formerly Twitter), boldly claiming, “The world will hear the lion roar 🦁”. His post racked up over 54,000 views, 306 reposts, and 2,100 likes in a flash, signalling a potential surge in the protest’s scale and intensity.
The Essex town is already on edge after weeks of clashes, with tensions boiling over into violence, arrests, and injured police officers.
Police Gear Up for Major Showdown
Essex Police, Metropolitan Police, and British Transport Police are set to tighten security measures ahead of Sunday’s demonstration. Last week’s violent protests saw eight officers hurt, multiple arrests, and vehicle damage – a grim warning of what could follow.
- A Section 35 Dispersal Order and Section 60AA face covering powers were introduced last Sunday and might be extended to curb disorder.
- Police are running risk assessments and may impose protest restrictions under the Public Order Act.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow warned: “For anyone who thinks we will tolerate their thuggery – think again… Our cells are ready.”
Bell Hotel Protests Sparked by Alarming Incident
The flashpoint for these protests is the Bell Hotel, where asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was arrested for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The grim case unleashed public outrage and ignited nights of volatile demonstrations.
Local residents are deeply divided — some demand calm and government action on the hotel’s usage, while others back the protests. Authorities face mounting pressure to keep the peace as the situation escalates.
Stay Alert: Police Seek Public Help
Essex Police urge anyone with info or concerns about the July 27 protest to get in touch via www.essex.police.uk or by calling 101.
