Police deny driving counter-protesters to asylum hotel demonstration

A police force has denied it "bussed" pro-refugee protesters to a demonstration outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Essex Police said it was "categorically wrong" to suggest officers inflamed tensions during a protest at The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on 17 July.

The pro-refugee group went on to clash with rival protesters, with Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington condemning the "thugs and vandals" responsible.

Essex Police said ten arrests have been made during the protests after eight police officers and two members of hotel staff were injured.

Mr Harrington said the protests began peacefully but "escalated to the point of disorder and criminal damage".

But claims about counter-demonstrators being driven to the protests by officers led to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for the chief constable to resign.

He accused Essex Police of being "absolutely disgraceful" in how it handled clashes between rival protesters, which led to missiles being thrown.

However, a spokesman for the force said the claims were "categorically wrong".

"Officers did provide a foot cordon around protesters on their way to the protest, where they and others were allowed to exercise their right to protest," he said.

"Later, some people who were clearly at risk of being hurt were also escorted by vehicle away from the area for their safety."

Four men have been charged with violent disorder in connection to the protests on 17 July.

One of them was also accused of criminally damaging a hotel sign, while a fifth man was accused of refusing to remove a face covering.

In an update to the gathered media in Chelmsford, Essex, Mr Harrington thanked people who had behaved "peacefully and lawfully".

But he added: "What has been unacceptable has been the people who have come to Epping and committed violence, who have attacked people who work at the hotel, who have attacked officers, who have damaged property and who have caused fear and disruption to the people of Epping."

The chief constable said there was a robust operation in place ahead of future protests advertised online.

He urged people not to spread misinformation online, insisting it had "real world consequences".

The demonstrations followed a man living in the hotel being charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, has denied the offences and was remanded in custody during a hearing on Thursday.

Protests have also been staged outside the Britannia International Hotel in London's Canary Wharf after it was designated as asylum accommodation.

Andrew Wood, a former Tower Hamlets Conservative councillor, told the BBC the hotel became asylum housing within the past few days.

The Home Office refused to confirm if that was true, but denied rumours on social media that migrants from The Bell Hotel were being moved there.

However, a spokesman for Tower Hamlets Council said: "We are aware of the government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers."