Tensions around the Bell Hotel in Epping, UK, have erupted into violence and riots, following allegations of sexual assault by an asylum seeker and two suspected arson attacks within a few days.
British media reports that Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, was arrested after being accused of three sexual assaults on women, including a schoolgirl, just eight days after arriving in Britain by boat. In another case, a hotel resident, Abdul Rahman, 36, was accused of deliberately setting fires in two hotels housing migrants.
The events sparked violent protests outside the hotel, where anti-immigrant groups and protesters clashed. Several security guards were injured, and on Tuesday morning, the hotel was found covered in racist graffiti such as “Go Home” and “This is England.” A window was smashed and police erected a security fence.
Essex Police have launched an in-depth investigation, stressing that the incidents are racially motivated. “We will not tolerate violent crimes of this nature,” a spokesman said, adding that officers were reviewing body camera footage to identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, the local community remains divided. Some residents and politicians are calling for the hotel to be closed immediately, claiming that the accommodation of asylum seekers has been done without transparency and has affected security. Meanwhile, the local council and several charities maintain that there is no evidence of an increase in crime directly linked to the hotel.
The Bell Hotel, a historic 79-room building once frequented by well-known figures, was converted into a shelter for around 100 asylum seekers, mainly men from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, in 2020, as part of an emergency program by the Ministry of Interior during the pandemic.
Residents have reported that crime has increased in the city since immigrants moved in, with incidents of theft, anti-social behavior, criminal damage, and harassment of women in the streets.
Tensions continued until January last year when it was revealed that The Bell would no longer provide accommodation for asylum seekers after its contract was terminated by the Home Office. The then government announced that the agreement would be terminated by the end of April 2024 and that residents would be relocated to “other parts of the asylum area”.
Police continue to have an increased presence in the area to ensure security, while investigations into the recent incidents are ongoing. (A2 Televizion)
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