Police Arrest Man After Assault Outside Epping Asylum Seeker Hotel

A 49-year-old man from Harlow was arrested and remains in custody on suspicion of assault following incidents of anti-social behaviour and harassment outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, which houses asylum seekers. Police responded to reports of people throwing projectiles such as flares and firecrackers at the hotel, but Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow clarified that these acts were committed by individuals posing as protesters, not by the asylum seekers themselves. Anslow emphasized that the recent violence marked a departure from the peaceful protests seen previously, condemning the use of flares, firecrackers, and assaults as criminal acts that sow division and intimidate residents. Authorities are actively investigating the disturbances and have vowed to arrest anyone responsible while continuing to facilitate lawful and peaceful protests. The hotel has been a focal point of tension following allegations against an asylum seeker, which has sparked repeated protests in the area. Police stress their impartiality and commitment to maintaining peace in future demonstrations.