A man staying at the Wethersfield asylum accommodation centre in Essex is under investigation after allegedly posting images online suggesting links to the Houthi rebel group. Concerned locals alerted p
olice after spotting photos of the man holding weapons on Snapchat, some appearing to show him with an AK47 in Yemen. More recent images reportedly place him inside the grounds of the Wethersfield site, which has previously been the focus of anti-immigration protests.
Evidence of Houthi Sympathies
The asylum seeker, believed to be from Yemen, also shared screenshots of conversations in Arabic discussing plans to cross the Channel from Calais to Britain by boat.
Some of the images posted were tagged in Sana’a, Yemen, a city under Houthi control since 2014, and included what appear to be TV broadcasts of Houthi leaders.
One photo shows the man holding a rifle on a lookout post in territory controlled by the group.
While the Houthis are not classified as a proscribed organisation in the UK, other countries, including the US, consider their members terrorists. The posts have sparked concern among local communities and political representatives.
Local Reactions and Concerns
Nathan Robbins, interim chair of Reform UK in nearby Braintree, told the Daily Mail that the posts were first reported to Essex Police in April but that “nothing was done” at the time.
He described how the asylum seeker’s public Snapchat profile revealed a fascination with weapons and sympathies with the Houthis.
Robbins called for stronger action, claiming, “This guy should have been deported before he even had the chance to land on British soil.”
Wethersfield Centre Faces Ongoing Controversy
Wethersfield, a former RAF base, has been used to house migrants since 2023 and has long been controversial.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced an expansion, bringing the number of asylum seekers at the site to 1,245.
Villagers living near the base have voiced fears about safety at night and reported property devaluation.
Nick Godley, chairman of Wethersfield Parish Council, described the base as “in the middle of nowhere” and highlighted ongoing incidents both on and off the site, from minor disturbances to occasional riots.
Authorities Respond
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that they are aware of the individual and have taken “appropriate action.”
They collect biometric data from all small boat arrivals, cross-checking it with immigration, security, and criminality databases.
Essex Police also said the posts were “thoroughly assessed” and the individual was visited in liaison with relevant authorities.
Officers continue to work with on-site staff to maintain the safety of the local community.
Balancing Security and Humanitarian Needs
The Wethersfield case highlights the complex balance between national security and accommodating asylum seekers.
While authorities stress they are taking measures to address potential threats, local residents continue to express concerns over the long-term impacts of housing large numbers of migrants in a relatively isolated location.
