Asylum seekers removed from Essex hotel after far-right protests, Home Office ends contract
8 reported1 unconfirmed
Asylum seekers have been removed from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after the site became a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests last summer, according to a statement from Epping district council. The Home Office confirmed it is terminating its contract with the hotel, which will cease being used on 11 July. The removal followed a sexual assault by an asylum seeker living at the hotel, which sparked protests that were exploited by far-right activists and led to violent clashes with police. The Home Office stated that staff and asylum seekers were removed due to fire and safety concerns as a precautionary measure but did not say whether they would return after work was completed. The high court ruled in November that asylum seekers could continue to be housed at the hotel, despite the council seeking a permanent injunction. The asylum seeker who committed the assault, Hadush Kebatu, was deported to Ethiopia in October.
What’s reported
Asylum seekers were removed from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
The Home Office is terminating its contract with the hotel, which will cease being used on 11 July.
The hotel was the scene of protests after an asylum seeker sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman.
Protests were exploited by far-right activists and led to violent clashes with police.
The Home Office cited fire and safety concerns for the removal but did not clarify if residents would return.
The high court ruled in November that asylum seekers could continue to be housed at the hotel.
Hadush Kebatu, the asylum seeker who committed the assault, was deported to Ethiopia in October.
Two security guards were assaulted in a racially motivated attack during the summer, and police were attacked with dozens of arrests.
Open questions
It is unclear whether the asylum seekers removed from the hotel will return after fire and safety work is completed.
Key figures
Hadush Kebatu, asylum seeker who committed sexual assault and was deported to Ethiopia
Home Office spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
