In the quiet town of Epping, Essex, what was once just another local hotel has become the centre of national attention and unrest.
Emotions are running high, and tensions between concerned locals and law enforcement have escalated after serious allegations surfaced involving one of the asylum seekers staying at the site.
What began as worry has now grown into anger—and protests.
Protests Spark After Assault Allegations Against Migrant
The controversy kicked off after reports emerged that an asylum seeker, newly arrived in Britain, had been charged with sexually assaulting two teenage girls.
The man, 38-year-old Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu from Ethiopia, was arrested just days after reaching the UK and taken to court, where he denied all charges.
He now faces multiple counts, including three of sexual assault, harassment, and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
In the wake of the news, the Bell Hotel—where Kebatu was staying—became a target for protests.
Over the past two weeks, the site has seen growing crowds and even violent demonstrations, including one where individuals climbed on top of a police van and smashed windows.
Police and Barriers Arrive to Contain Growing Unrest
To get ahead of any further disturbances, police in full riot gear were deployed today outside the Bell Hotel.
Metal fencing was also delivered on a flatbed truck, signaling a clear effort to strengthen security.
Officers formed barriers on both sides of the street and even brought in a canine unit to monitor the area.
A dispersal order has been issued by police, effective from 2 p.m. today until 8 a.m. tomorrow, covering Epping’s town centre and surrounding transport hubs like the Underground station.
The aim is to prevent any gathering that might escalate into further violence.
From Local Concerns to National Frustration
The tension isn’t confined to Epping. Protests have since popped up in other towns.
On Monday, more than 150 people gathered outside The Park Hotel in Diss, Norfolk.
The Home Office recently announced plans to convert that hotel from housing asylum-seeker families to accommodating single men, prompting a similar outcry from residents.
It’s becoming clear that this is not just a local issue—it’s evolving into a nationwide debate about asylum policies, safety, and government decisions.
Residents Speak Out: “We’re Scared and We’re Angry”
Long-time Epping residents are expressing real fear.
One woman named Lindsey, who has lived in the area for 17 years, spoke candidly about the impact on her community.
Her daughter attends the school near the hotel, the same school linked to the incident.
“We’re not sleeping well,” she said. “We’re mums in sundresses being confronted by police with masks and weapons.
This isn’t what our town is supposed to be like.”
She emphasized that her concerns weren’t about race, but about safety and transparency.
“They could be Scottish for all I care. Until we know who is in our town and they’re vetted, they shouldn’t be here.”
A Grandmother’s Fear: “I Want Them Out”
Another local, Hazel, who’s lived in Epping for 21 years, echoed those concerns.
She’s a grandmother of a 10-year-old and said she was disgusted and worried about the implications for families in the area.
“It’s absolutely vile,” she said. “What happened to that girl could happen to anyone’s child.
They keep coming across the Channel—young men by the thousands—and we’re the ones left to deal with the consequences.”
Hazel’s message to the government was simple: remove the men, stop placing them in communities, and send them back.
What Happens Next?
With protests escalating and police taking heavy precautions, Epping is on edge.
While the Home Office has yet to issue a formal response to today’s events, many in the community are demanding action—not just in Epping, but across the country.
This story is still developing. More updates will follow as tensions rise and residents await answers.
