Protests at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Essex turned violent, leaving eight officers injured and 18 people arrested, as immigration emerges as a top voter concern.
Protests over asylum seeker housing at the Bell Hotel in Essex have escalated into violence, leaving eight officers injured and 18 people arrested. Local demonstrations began after the arrest of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu on 8 July for alleged sexual assault, which he denied. Essex Police said the 17 July protest was used as cover for “violent disorder and criminal damage”, with missiles thrown and police vehicles damaged.
Far-right group Homeland has joined the demonstrations, with Stand Up to Racism planning counterprotests. “One flashpoint can change everything,” a senior policing source warned.
Recent Opinium polling shows immigration is now a leading voter concern, with 55% of those aware of the protests citing it as a key issue. The Home Office said its new “failure to travel” policy aims to enforce compliance among asylum seekers. Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle stated: “We are working to close hotels, restore order, and put fairness and value for money at the heart of our asylum system.”