Police have imposed a dispersal order ahead of a planned protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Essex. The measure comes as tensions continue around The Bell Hotel in Epping following recent demonstrations.
Multiple protests have taken place outside the hotel since 13 July after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who was charged with sexual assault, denies the charges and is due to stand trial in August.
Police powers activated
Essex Police said the dispersal order runs from 3pm on Thursday to 8am on Friday, giving officers power to direct anyone suspected of anti-social behaviour to leave the area. A Section 60AA order preventing people from wearing face coverings will also be in place from 3pm on Thursday until 3pm on Friday.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said on Thursday that tonight's protest follows two previous demonstrations which passed off peacefully and without incident. He emphasised that measures are being put in place to ensure those wanting to express their democratic right to peaceful protest can do so safely.
Community safety focus
The police chief said the plans aim to minimise disruption to the local community and ensure the safety of residents and staff at the hotel. He added that residents and businesses in and around Epping should be able to go about their usual activities.
"We will not tolerate anyone coming here to commit crime or anti-social behaviour and if you do, you will be dealt with," Anslow warned. The force previously said 14 people have been charged in connection with protests at the site and there have been 23 arrests.
Political concerns raised
Concerns about using The Bell Hotel to house asylum seekers were expressed in an open letter sent to the Home Secretary from political leaders in Essex on Wednesday. The signatories include Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar, Christopher Whitbread, leader of Epping Forest District Council, and Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council.
In the letter, the politicians argue that housing migrants at the site is "proving to be entirely unsuitable and placing an unsustainable strain on police resources".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
