6 days ago
Police dismiss false rumours of asylum seekers in former south Essex station
POLICE have dispelled false rumours circulating on social media claiming asylum seekers were living in a former station.
Essex Police have spoken with the owners of the former Tilbury police station today and Thurrock Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Daniel Selby has been in person to visit the site.
Following the visit, Insp Selby confirmed no one is living at the old police station, on Civic Square, and it is not being used as a hotel in any sense.
Empty - police have confirmed no one is living inside the former station (Image: Essex Police)
This came after misinformation circulating in the area that it was being used as an asylum seeker hotel, police confirmed.
A spokesman for Essex Police in Thurrock said: "Inspector Selby has been inside the building alongside the owners and they've allowed us to share photos to show the true situation to allay some misinformation circulating locally on social media that it's being used as a hotel for asylum seekers.
"We can confirm: no-one is living at the old Tilbury police station; it is not being used as a hotel in any sense; the location is still going through the planning permission process; and there is a consistent security presence, so locals can expect to see people coming and going.
Outside - Tilbury police station has been closed since 2016 and was sold last year (Image: Essex Police)
"We'd urge people who have shared incorrect posts in Tilbury to please think of the real world consequences of their actions.
"The site is part of our regularly patrol plans and we'll deal robustly with anyone who's intent on causing crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
"As usual our officers are out and about in your neighbourhoods dealing with crime reports, preventing incidents and keeping our community safe."
Tilbury police station was closed in 2016 and finally sold in October 2024. It was marketed as a potential development opportunity.
