Epping protests are just the latest flashpoint of frustration

Sky News

20-07-2025

This was the fourth protest in just nine days here - around 500 people gathered outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, which is believed to house asylum seekers.
There was no sign of far-right or left that had travelled to the Essex town looking for trouble.
Instead, it was locals; families sat on the grass, multi-generations of them, kids playing in the sunshine - tradesmen brought their lorries; a large "Protect Our Kids" sign fixed on the back.
Between the protesters and those housed inside, around 50 police officers in riot gear lined up beside eight riot vans.
There were some troublemakers hiding their faces in the crowd - a few brief moments of tension when bottles and firecrackers were thrown at police.
There were five arrests, according to Essex Police, with one relating to damage caused to an unmarked police car, and four related to violent disorder at the same location on Thursday night.
But overall - this was event on Sunday peaceful. Residents simply angry about events that have unfolded here in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, an asylum seeker was arrested and charged with offences against a teenager and an adult in the town, eight days after arriving in the UK via a boat.
Hadush Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, denies the allegations - of three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence - and was remanded in custody.
On Thursday, when he appeared in court, it did boil over outside the hotel - eight officers were injured and arrests continue to be made. One man has been charged and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday.
It was calmer on Sunday night.
Mother Nicola is here with her two kids.
"I'm sick and tired of working and paying for these people," she tells me.
"I've got a young little girl and I want her to be safe.
"By all means come over. Bring into the economy, no disputing that. But you can't just come over and take and expect everything for nothing."
Aimee Keteca - a Reform councillor in Essex - was in holding a placard "I'm not far right - I'm worried about my KIDS".
She says: "I've got a 16-year-old daughter, I worry about her in my local area. It's right on your doorstep, we've got people here and we don't know who they are."
These protests are just the latest flashpoint of frustration - a physical place for people to vent anger that's been felt for years and continues to build.
There are few here who believe the government's new plan will help solve the issue of small boat arrivals any time soon.