The Bell Hotel in Epping — already a flashpoint for heated anti-immigration protests — is once again at the centre of controversy after another resident was charged with a string of offences, including sexual assault.
The arrest comes only weeks after a separate and unrelated case involving a different migrant resident sparked national headlines.
Syrian Resident Faces Multiple Charges
Police have named the man as Mohammed Sharwarq, a 32-year-old Syrian national living at the hotel.
He is accused of seven offences said to have taken place between July 25 and August 12.
The charges include two counts of common assault, four counts of assault by beating, and one count of sexual assault on a man, under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Police Statement and Court Appearance
Essex Police confirmed they were called to the Bell Hotel on August 12, where Sharwarq was arrested and later questioned.
Following the investigation, he was formally charged and has been remanded in custody ahead of his scheduled appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 13.
Officers added that they are not looking for any other suspects in connection with this case.
Previous Incident at the Same Location
This is not the first time the Bell Hotel has made the news in recent weeks.
The site has already been linked to another high-profile case involving Hadush Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian migrant, who is accused of a series of unrelated sexual offences.
Details of Earlier Case Against Ethiopian Migrant
Kebatu has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault against two girls aged 14 and 16, inciting a 14-year-old to engage in sexual activity, and harassment without violence.
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged incidents took place in Epping between July 6 and 9, shortly after Kebatu had arrived in the UK by small boat.
It is claimed that he touched a 14-year-old schoolgirl’s leg, asked her for a kiss, and made comments about “making Jamaican babies” with her.
Protests Escalate Beyond Epping
News of these cases has fuelled ongoing protests outside the Bell Hotel, with demonstrators waving St George’s flags and voicing opposition to the housing of asylum seekers in the area.
The demonstrations have since spread beyond Epping, with similar scenes reported outside other migrant accommodation sites across the country.