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Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE How an asylum seeker hotel at the centre of violent protests 'over migrant sex attacks' has long plagued its market town - and tensions have been boiling for years
Five years ago, a shabby run down hotel on the edge of the Essex market town of Epping became the subject of unwarranted attention. The 79-room Bell Hotel became home to around 100 new residents - all men said to be from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It happened as thousands of asylum seekers continued to arrive illegally in the UK as the Covid pandemic erupted and Britain went into lockdown. The sudden arrival of the new residents triggered years of simmering tensions in the community which in recent days, following a series of alarming events, has led to scenes of ugly violence. On Sunday night, rival groups of anti-migrant demonstrators and counter-protesters faced off outside the hotel. Two people, who worked as security guards at the hotel, were left bloodied and injured in what police have described as a racially motivated attack. The violence erupted after a resident of the hotel was accused of three sex attacks in two days - including one on a schoolgirl - just eight days after arriving by small boat in the UK. Victims - said to be two teenage girls and a woman - were approached 'on a busy high street'. Ethiopian-born Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was remanded in custody by magistrates last Thursday after he was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. Kebatu, who denies wrongdoing, is said to have arrived in Britain on June 29. The alleged offences follow in the wake of two serious arson attacks - one which led to another local hotel housing asylum seekers being severely damaged after it was engulfed in flames. Eight days later, The Bell Hotel was targeted when a blaze broke out in a ground-floor bedroom. The incidents were no acts of misplaced vigilante retribution. Both fires were alleged to have been started by the same man - a resident who was moved from one hotel to the other. On May 7, Abdul Rahman, 36, was remanded in custody at Chelmsford Crown Court after being accused of two offences of arson with intent to endanger life. Now MailOnline can reveal that an extraordinary intervention by Keir Starmer's government lies at the heart of events that led to a growing wave of anger in the community. Two local MPs have requested an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary and called for the hotel to be shut down immediately amid claims that locals were kept in the dark before the migrants were parachuted into 'unsuitable' accommodation. The town's troubles began after migrants were placed in the hotel on what was supposed to be a temporary basis in 2020. At the time, the Home Office booked 4,000 hotel rooms in different parts of the country to house asylum seekers to deal with a surge in illegal cross-Channel arrivals as the Covid pandemic took hold. The Home Office and its asylum accommodation providers began using hotels, generally those with three stars, because of action to halt removals of asylum applicants from existing properties during the crisis. To make matters worse, the issue was quickly exploited by right-wing activists. A local councillor who represents the For Britain movement was accused of inciting racial hatred after he posted an incendiary video on YouTube in 2020. The video, called The Epping Migrant Hotel Scandal, highlighted how the Bell Hotel was being used by asylum seekers and illegal immigrants who had come to the UK to exploit the benefits system. The councillor claimed that provisions from a food bank were being diverted away from local people and that the new residents of the hotel had caused an increase in shoplifting and pickpocketing as well as posing a security risk. In response, Epping Forest District Council published a 'myth-busting' leaflet to counter 'unfounded rumours' that had circulated on social media leaving many residents 'unnecessarily alarmed'. The council insisted the Home Office use of The Bell had 'no negative impact on local residents'. Holly Whitbread, the council's housing portfolio holder, said: 'It is not costing Epping Forest district council anything. 'It is not affecting our council house allocations or being funded through our local housing budget, and it is not impacting local crime levels, with no increase in crime or crime linked to the hotel. 'They are not a threat to local people and I would appeal to everyone to leave them in peace while the government deals with their claims.' Local politicians were, however, raising objections to the move and frustrations grew as it became clear that no paying guests would return to the hotel for the foreseeable future. Council leaders insisted The Bell and the nearby Epping Phoenix Hotel - were unsuitable locations for housing refugees and asylum seekers who 'require complex and comprehensive support measures'. Opinions were divided over the arrival of the new residents. Local church groups rallied together to provide support for the hotel's residents over concerns for their welfare. A number of locals have reported that crimes had increased in the town after the migrants moved in with incidents of theft, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and women being harassed in the streets. However, councillors have insisted crime has not increased since the hotel began housing asylum seekers. Tensions remained until it was revealed in January last year that The Bell would no longer provide accommodation to asylum seekers after its contract was terminated by the Home Office. The Government of the time announced the arrangement would cease by the end of April 2024 and that residents would be moved to 'other parts of the asylum estate'. Yet, within a year, the decision was reversed by the new Labour government as record levels of migrants continued to flood into the country. Local politicians, who had fought for the hotel to be closed down, insisted their hands were tied over the matter. When immigrants began moving in last March, one official said: 'We have been informed but were not consulted. 'However, we have expressed our concerns for the health and well-being of people placed in unsuitable accommodation which lacks the necessary social, medical and transport infrastructure. 'We have not been given timescales but appeal to the Home Office to act quickly in finding more suitable accommodation as soon as possible.' Within days, residents of the Phoenix Hotel were evacuated and had to be taken to alternative accommodation following the first arson attack. Despite suffering significant damage, the hotel is back up and running and is still being used to house migrants. In the wake of Sunday's disorder, local political leaders have held meetings with Home Office officials and have launched a petition for the 'immediate and permanent closure' of the hotels which had become the focus of 'serious safety concerns'. Councillor Chris Whitbread, the Conservative Leader of the local council, said he took pride in the 'tolerance, good sense and decent nature' of the local community. He said the hotels had 'run their course' and 'must close' and called on local residents to 'stand together peacefully'. He said: 'Let me be absolutely clear. Epping Forest District Council has consistently and repeatedly opposed the use of the Bell Hotel to accommodate asylum seekers. 'From the outset, we warned the Home Office that this site is entirely inappropriate. 'Placing vulnerable individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds into an unsupervised setting, in the centre of a small town, without the proper infrastructure, support or services, is both reckless and unacceptable. 'It puts pressure on local services, causes understandable concern for residents, and is unfair on those placed in the hotel. 'The Home Office must now face the reality of the situation. The Bell Hotel must be closed without delay. Our warnings have been ignored for too long.' Following the sex attacks, violence erupted after anti-migrant protesters gathered outside The Bell before the arrival of a rival 'Refugees Welcome' demonstration. Police were forced to intervene as large crowds jeered, with some shouting obscenities while one person was heard screaming 'Go home you c***, go home. F*** off back on your boat and go'. Shocking footage emerged showing one man bleeding heavily from his head as he limped to the hotel. In another clip, two men are seen punching one another and wrestling next to a car before police charged in to break up the brawl. A third video shows a large crowd of people - some of whom were waving the flag of St George - massing opposite the property and repeatedly chanting 'protect our kids', as about a dozen police stood guard. No arrests were made at the time. Among those who witnessed the drama was father-of-three Adam Brooks, an anti-knife campaigner whose father was brutally stabbed to death when he was a child. The Essex-based publican said: 'There's a protest because a migrant was charged with sexual assault against a young girl in Epping High Road last week. 'There are worried mothers, worried children, there's grandmothers, fathers, uncles, grandads, and we've got an anti-racism lot that have turned up. 'Things are getting heated here. I just cannot believe that an anti-racism mob would turn up against something like this.' One migrant living at the hotel told MailOnline how tensions following the sex attacks had led to him being targeted by vigilantes. Ismael Wani, 35, said: 'I was walking to the shop with another man the other day when two cars stopped and six men hit out. 'They started to insult us, telling us to "f*** off back home'" and then they started to hit us with their fists. 'I got punched in the head.' He added: 'On Sunday when there was a crowd outside it was very frightening.' Mr Wani, from Kuwait, said plans had been put in place to bring more residents to the property. He said: 'It is a full house in the hotel right now. There must be 100 people staying there now. And they are trying to open up new rooms to provide more places for people to sleep.' On Tuesday morning, the hotel was seen daubed in graffiti. Slogans including 'Go Home', 'Die' and 'This Is England' had been sprayed onto two of the large front windows. At least one window in an annex building appeared to have been broken in the weekend disturbance, with a temporary plastic covering placed over the window frame. Police officers were seen talking to private security guards while workmen hastily erected a wood-panel fence around one side of the front of the property. The hotel accommodation is made up of a number of buildings - the historic front block which bears the iconic bell, a newly constructed red brick building and other buildings behind. All of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with free toiletries and a sitting area. The hotel also has a sprawling garden and a library and self-service kitchen facilities. The hotel was built on the site of an ancient coaching inn where, according to legend, diarist Samuel Pepys stayed in 1663. It had previously hosted prestigious guests with Brian Clough's legendary Nottingham Forest team reportedly staying there ahead of matches against London clubs. It is not clear which private company operates the hotel on behalf of the Home Office but the property was bought by British businessman Hassanali Somani, for £2.97 million in May 2003. In 2011, Mr Somani, 64, who owns other hotels in Essex and Hertfordshire, applied for planning permission to turn the property into a 'luxury' care home for the elderly. Speaking in the wake of the unrest, Superintendent Tim Tubbs, of Essex Police, said: 'We respect everyone's right to protest, and we police without fear of favour - these are important fundamentals of our work when it comes to public order. 'We'll be working with all our partner agencies in the coming days to hear their thoughts and establish how we can provide the most effective police response for events like this in the future. 'As with all our policing of public events such as protests, we will review any body-worn video to ensure any offences are detected.' A Essex Police spokesperson added: 'We will not tolerate violent incidents of this nature. 'An extensive investigation is underway to identify those responsible, led by our detectives. 'Our investigation suggests the offences were racially aggravated. 'Anyone with information which could assist our enquiries is asked to get in touch. 'We are acutely aware and understand that emotions within the community are running high. 'However crime of any sort committed by anyone will not be tolerated. We continue to have a significant policing presence in the area to keep people safe.'
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Tributes pour in for Powys man left in coma for two years
Tributes have poured in for a Powys man who has died after being in a coma for the past two years. Jamie Selvey was left in coma for over two years after sustaining a serious injury in an attack in Newtown in 2023, and died over the weekend. He experienced 'catastrophic' injuries after he was punched during the altercation outside the Bell Hotel in June 2023. Mr Selvey's family confirmed the news of his death online on Monday. They paid tribute to the father of two and thanked the community for their kindness during the past two years. That led to an outpouring of tributes from the football community in Powys. He was a talented former player who had turned out for Carno FC, Kerry FC and Llanidloes Town, with whom he won the Montgomeryshire Cup in 2002. Everyone at the club would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jamie Selvey. Jamie was a strong, committed player who represented us and several local clubs. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him. — Carno FC (@FCCarno) July 15, 2025 Llanidloes Town paid tribute online on Tuesday, saying: 'Today we learnt of the sad passing of ex-Daff player Jamie Selvey. Part of our successful cup winning team in 2002 he will always be a part of our great history. 'Thoughts and prayers go to Jamie's family and friends. Rest in peace Selv. Fly high. ' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Carno FC also issued a statement expressing their condolences to Jamie's loved ones – 'Everyone at the club would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jamie Selvey. 'Jamie was a strong, committed player who represented us and several local clubs. "He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.' A man was jailed for 27 months in February last year, after admitting a charge of inflicting malicious grievous bodily harm. At the sentencing hearing in February 2024 Mr Selvey's parents called him a hard-working and funny man and "fantastic" footballer who was always ready to lend a hand to anybody in the community.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Angry mob launch 'racist attack' on staff starting shift at migrant hotel
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Authorities are investigating a 'racially motivated' attack against security staff at a migrant hotel after video of the bloodied workers went viral. A group of locals showed up outside the Bell Hotel in Epping to protest the housing of migrants there, after a resident of the hotel was charged with multiple crimes a week after arriving in the UK. Ethiopian man Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Kebatu lives at the hotel and has since been remanded in custody after his hearing last week, but denies any wrongdoing. The crimes have enraged the local community, who met outside the hotel on Sunday, with counter-protesters from Waltham Forest Stand Up To Racism on the opposite side. But a video of the demonstrators attacking a man who was walking to work in the hotel has gone viral, prompting police to launch an investigation. A spokesperson from Essex Police told Metro no arrests have been made, but added: 'We are investigating the assault of two members of security staff working at The Bell Hotel, in Epping, and are treating the offences as racially aggravated. 'The assaults took place at a nearby bus stop in High Road, at around 8 pm on Sunday, July 13.' The two security guards had arrived to begin their shift and were set upon by a group of men. 'The two victims then managed to make their way past the protest into the hotel, where there was a significant policing presence, for safeguarding and to seek aid,' they added. 'Both victims have received hospital treatment for serious injuries, which are thankfully not life-threatening or life-changing. We will not tolerate violent incidents of this nature. 'An extensive investigation is underway to identify those responsible, led by our detectives. Our investigation suggests the offences were racially aggravated. We are acutely aware and understand that emotions within the community are running high. 'However, crime of any sort committed by anyone will not be tolerated. We continue to have a significant policing presence in the area to keep people safe.' Local community leaders are still raising concerns about the hotel. Chris Whitbread, the leader of Epping Forest District Council, said they warned the Home Office that the site was 'entirely inappropriate'. 'Placing vulnerable individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds into an unsupervised setting, in the centre of a small town, without the proper infrastructure, support or services, is both reckless and unacceptable,' he said. 'It puts pressure on local services, causes understandable concern for residents, and is unfair on those placed in the hotel. The Home Office must now face the reality of the situation.' Adam Brooks, who was at the protest, told Metro he didn't witness any violence, but did witness locals 'voicing their concerns and anger'. 'I had women tell me that they'd been flashed while walking their dogs, and many also say that they'd been harassed by men from the hotel,' he claimed. 'I had nothing to do with organising this or even knowing who did, I was there to report the protest, and if I'm honest, I was there as a worried local father. 'Violence is wrong under any circumstances. This isn't about skin colour, race or religion, it is about public safety, especially that of our children locally.' Adam said 12-15 counter protesters allegedly called the group 'far-right Nazi scum', which he says didn't help the already high tensions. More Trending The Bell Hotel declined to comment on the matter to Metro. Last year, similar scenes unfolded outside of a migrant hotel in Rotherham when far-right rioters attempted to break into the building in the aftermath of the Southport killings. In videos shared online, the mob was seen throwing bricks and chairs at officers with riot shields, before smashing windows and entering the building while chanting 'Yorkshire, Yorkshire'. Members of the mob, who waved Union flags and the St George's Cross, taunted police in the car park of the hotel. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Newly-married nurse killed in Southend plane crash was on her first day in job MORE: I was a typical 7-year-old – until the tanks rolled in MORE: Delays and diplomacy: Inside Starmer's migrant deal announcement with Macron
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Migrant hotel in Essex is graffitied with slogans telling asylum seekers to 'go home' after violent protests broke out when Ethiopian resident was charged with sexually assaulting girl
A migrant hotel where a protest erupted into violence after anti-immigration campaigners clashed with 'anti-racism' demonstrators has been daubed in graffiti telling asylum seekers to 'go home'. Uniformed police officers were seen at the Bell Hotel in Epping this morning in discussion with private security guards outside the front of the shabby hostel located on the edge of the historic forest. Signs in the front door warned visitors the the hotel was 'not open to the public' and that the car parking spaces were 'no longer a public car park'. Slogans including 'Go Home', 'Die' and 'This Is England' have been sprayed on to two of the large front windows of the hotel. Meanwhile workmen were seen hastily erecting a wood-panel fence around one side of the front of the property. At least one window in an annex building of the hotel appears to have been broken in the weekend disturbance, with plastic now covering the window frame. The hotel accommodation is made up of a number of buildings - the historic front block which bears the iconic bell, a newly constructed red brick building and other buildings behind. All of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with free toiletries and a sitting area. The hotel also has a sprawling garden and a library and self-service kitchen facilities. The graffiti comes days after a protest outside the hotel descended into bloody mayhem as activists brawled on the streets. Hundreds of people had rallied at the venue on Sunday after a 38-year-old African asylum seeker was accused of committing three sexual assaults - nine days after allegedly arriving in the UK illegally by boat. Police were forced to break up a fight between two men as large crowds jeered, with some shouting: 'F***ing nonce', 'f*** off back to Walthamstow' and 'paedos'. The outburst of disorder ignited on Sunday evening, with shocking footage appearing to show one man bleeding heavily from his head as he limped to the hotel. 'Go home you c***, go home. F*** off back on your boat and go,' one man is heard screeching as the injured male hobbles his way past a line of police officers. In another clip, two men are seen punching one another and wrestling next to a car before police charge in to break up the brawl. While in a third video, a large crowd of people - some of whom were waving the flag of St George - were seen massing opposite the three-star hotel and repeatedly chanting 'protect our kids', as about a dozen police stood guard. Father-of-three Adam Brooks, an anti-knife campaigner whose dad was brutally stabbed to death when he was a child, was among those at the protest. The Essex-based publican said: 'There's a protest because a migrant is alleged and was charged with sexual assault against a young girl in Epping High Road last week. 'There are worried mothers, worried children, there's grandmothers, fathers, uncles, grandads, and we've got an anti-racism lot that have turned up. 'Things are getting heated here. I just cannot believe that an anti-racism mob would turn up against something like this.' In one video, police were seen escorting some counter-demonstrators away from the hotel as a huge crowd of people continued to jeer. Some of the counter-protestors were seen holding signs saying 'Refugees Welcome: Stop The Far-Right'. Nobody has reportedly been arrested following the disorder, which sparked after Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Ethiopian national Kebatu reportedly arrived in Britain illegally on June 29, little more than a week before the alleged sex attacks took place. Announcing the news of his arrest on Thursday, Essex Police said: 'We were alerted to reports of a man acting inappropriately towards a teenager in High Road, at 5.20pm on Tuesday July 8. 'Officers arrived quickly and arrested a man. 'As a result of the work of officers, offences against a woman and another teenager, which were separate to those which had taken place on Tuesday, were then reported for the first time and an investigation was launched.' Kebatu was remanded in custody after a hearing at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He denies any wrongdoing. Following Kebatu's arrest, the district's Conservative leader wrote to the Home Secretary calling for The Bell Hotel's closure 'without delay'. The Bell Hotel has been housing asylum seekers for about three years. It used to charge a standard rate of £70 per night, with breakfast charged as extra, but has not accepted regular guests since 2022, it is understood. The hotel is owned by British businessman, Hassanali Somani, who is based in Hertfordshire. Mr Somani owns other hotels in Essex and Hertfordshire, including the Roebuck Inn, in Stevenage. Essex Police will continue to have a presence in the area for the coming days, a spokesman for the force said. Speaking after the protest broke up, Superintendent Tim Tubbs said: 'We respect everyone's right to protest, and we police without fear of favour – these are important fundamentals of our work when it comes to public order. 'We'll be working with all our partner agencies in the coming days to hear their thoughts and establish how we can provide the most effective police response for events like this in the future. 'As with all our policing of public events such as protests, we will review any body-worn video to ensure any offences are detected.' Chris Whitbread, the leader of Epping Forest District Council, insisted the authority had 'consistently and repeatedly opposed' the use of the The Bell as a migrant hotel. 'From the outset, we warned the Home Office that this site is entirely inappropriate,' the council chief said in a statement. 'Placing vulnerable individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds into an unsupervised setting, in the centre of a small town, without the proper infrastructure, support or services, is both reckless and unacceptable. 'It puts pressure on local services, causes understandable concern for residents, and is unfair on those placed in the hotel. 'The Home Office must now face the reality of the situation. The Bell Hotel must be closed without delay. Our warnings have been ignored for too long.' The council boss has set up a petition calling for the closure of The Bell Hotel - as well as the Phoenix Hotel in Bobbingworth, which also accommodates migrants. It has has received more than 4,500 signatures. The petition says: 'We are also deeply concerned about rising community tensions. Epping Forest has a history of extreme far-right activity, including the presence of groups such as the Homeland Party and previously elected British National Party councillors. 'The Government's inaction risks fuelling division and undermining community cohesion. Our community feels ignored and let down. Epping Forest has been forced to carry an unfair burden in the ongoing illegal immigration crisis.'
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
The Bell Hotel in Driffield to close as owners confirm retirement
The owners of a hotel which has stood in a town market place since the 18th Century have confirmed plans to close it. George and Rita Riggs have run the Bell Hotel in Driffield for almost 50 years but said they would close the doors for the final time on 13 couple said they planned to retire from the hotel trade and would liquidate their business after an unsuccessful three-year search for a new Riggs said: "It's time that someone else had a go. We've been here a long time. I wouldn't change it for anything, but it's our time to go." Mrs Riggs added: "Time moves on. We've seen lots of changes and there comes a time when you have to let go. We're going to miss everyone."Our customers have become friends over many years. We've seen their children grow up, get married and have their own children. It's been one huge family." The Grade II listed building features 16 bedrooms and suites as well as an oak panelled restaurant and bar. More recent additions include a gym, swimming pool and health dining in the restaurant said they were "bitterly disappointed" about the said: "There's not many places in Driffield for visitors to come and stay. It's not just the hotel, there's the spa as well and I'll really miss it. Another added: "It's very disappointing because we've always enjoyed it. We've had Christmas lunch here for the past 20 years. It's like a second home."Mr and Mrs Riggs said they hoped a new custodian would come forward and continue to run the venue as a to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
