Essex Police Deny Busing Counter-Protesters to Epping Asylum Seeker Demonstrations

Essex Police have strongly denied claims that they transported counter-demonstrators by bus to protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, which houses asylum seekers. These protests followed the charging of asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu with sexual assault, an allegation he denies. The demonstrations initially began peacefully but escalated to disorder and criminal damage, resulting in injuries to eight police officers and five men being charged with violent disorder. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused Essex Police of facilitating left-wing protesters' arrival at the site and demanded the resignation of Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington. However, Essex Police clarified that officers only provided a foot cordon to protect protesters' right to demonstrate and escorted some individuals at risk away from the area for their safety, categorically denying any use of vehicles to bring counter-protesters to the scene. Chief Constable Harrington thanked the public and peaceful protesters while condemning those who committed violence and disruption during the events.