Peaceful Protest at Bell Hotel Site Sees Three Arrests Amid Heavy Police Presence

Police in Epping successfully facilitated a peaceful dual protest this afternoon near the Bell Hotel, with demonstrators and counter-protestors assembling under the watch of a robust multi-force policing plan.

The protests — one opposing the Bell Hotel’s current use and the other held by counter-demonstrators — took place without major incident. However, three people were arrested in connection with public order and criminal damage offences, Essex Police confirmed.

The first group gathered around 1:00pm to protest against the hotel, while a counter-protest group assembled later and was escorted from Epping Tube Station to their designated area around 4:00pm.

To maintain safety, police implemented a Section 60AA order, prohibiting the use of face coverings, and designated separate zones to allow both sides to lawfully exercise their right to protest.

Peaceful Protest at Bell Hotel Site Sees Three Arrests Amid Heavy Police Presence

Police Praise Peaceful Outcome

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:

“I want to thank those who attended for the peaceful nature of both protests.
Our role is to ensure that you can express your democratic right to protest safely and lawfully, and we had a proportionate and robust plan in place to ensure that could happen.
I am pleased that today has passed off without incident and I am grateful to our colleagues from other forces for their support.”

Arrests Made

Despite the largely peaceful atmosphere, three individuals were arrested:

A 52-year-old man from Loughton, on suspicion of a public order offence related to abuse shouted toward counter-protestors.
A 53-year-old woman from Loughton, a member of the anti-hotel protest group, on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence connected to a previous protest.
A 27-year-old woman from Deptford, from the counter-protest group, on suspicion of criminal damage and a public order offence.

All three remain in police custody as enquiries continue.

🔍 Context

The Bell Hotel in Epping has been the focal point of repeated protest activity in recent weeks, with tensions rising between local residents and groups opposing its use for housing asylum seekers or temporary accommodation.

Today’s demonstration marked one of the largest yet, prompting Essex Police to bring in support from mutual aid officers to ensure public safety.