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Three men were arrested during a demonstration outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on Friday, following the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn a temporary injunction that had prevented the housing of asylum seekers at the location.
According to Essex Police, the arrests were made on suspicion of varying offenses, including violent disorder, assault of a police officer, and driving under the influence. Two officers sustained injuries, though they were reported as not serious.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin acknowledged that while the majority of protestors participated without incident, he emphasized that “the right to protest does not include a right to commit crime”.
The court’s ruling means that 138 asylum seekers currently residing at the hotel will no longer be required to vacate the premises by September 12.
Lord Justice Bean, explaining the Court of Appeal’s decision, stated that the initial injunction – issued by the High Court – was “seriously flawed in principle”.
Epping Forest District Council, which had secured the initial injunction, has stated that it has not ruled out the possibility of appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.
In a statement, Essex Police also confirmed the enforcement of a dispersal order in the area surrounding The Bell Hotel, effective until Saturday morning.
ACC Pavelin reiterated, “My continued plea to those people who want their voices to be heard is to please do that safely and peacefully.”
Epping has been the focus of media attention since protests began outside the hotel in July.
Tensions escalated following the arrest of an asylum seeker residing at the hotel, who was subsequently charged with several offenses, including the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
Hadush Kebatu, originally from Ethiopia, denies the charges and is currently on trial.
Police report that 28 arrests have been made to date in connection with disturbances outside the hotel.
As protestors gathered outside the hotel on Friday evening, displaying banners and union jack and England flags, public sentiment on the High Street appeared divided.
Laura Fraye, whose mother resides in Epping, expressed concern that the latest judgement would cause “a lot of upset”.
“It’s a bit of a shame but let’s hope it’s the right decision and things calm down,” she stated.
Her mother, Bonny Pitson, stated that while she “would not stand” with the protestors, she agreed with their sentiment.
“It’s harmless – it’s not spiteful, they’re not doing anyone any harm,” she said.
Her daughter added: “I suppose if people don’t feel heard, they will protest.”
Earlier this month, the Conservative-led Epping Forest District Council secured a temporary injunction against the hotel in the High Court, ruling that asylum seekers could not be accommodated there.
This injunction has now been overturned at the appeal court, allowing migrants to remain at the hotel.
Kerry Gilroy, a resident of the town for 20 years and administrator of the Facebook group “Epping for Everyone,” commented: “My group has been really saddened and upset by the protests and the vitriolic statements – and untruths that are being spread about asylum seekers.
“We really wanted to try and change the narrative and show that those people protesting don’t represent Epping. So far it’s been really positively received.”
She expressed satisfaction with the recent court decision, stating that “for the people in the hotel it gives them consistency, but it’s made me very nervous because I think there will be trouble… but I’m really pleased mob rule hasn’t been allowed to take over”.
She also suggested that the council was “wasting money” by pursuing its claims, which have led to disagreements with the Labour government.
“Those people are having their cases heard and eventually that hotel will be empty,” she added.
Holly Whitbread, Conservative councillor for Epping West, described Friday’s news as “deeply disappointing and will feel like a betrayal for many”.
“The council committed from day one to use every single legal and diplomatic route we could,” she stated.
She added: “We’re taking advice about what else we can do.”
Stuart Hugh, 36, a resident near the Bell Hotel, has attended some of the protests alongside his parents.
He stated: “I believe illegal immigration is completely out of control, and the government needs to do something to stop it.”
He expressed frustration with the outbreaks of violence among protestors on Friday.
“I think it takes away from the message we are trying to get across – it makes us look like thugs.
“I’ve lived in Epping for 27 years and it’s a very peaceful town. I believe everyone has the right to a peaceful protest, but violence is wrong.
“I’m all for legal migration. If you trace back my family history, I’ve got two grandparents who are from Sri Lanka, but they came to this country the right way.”
Epping resident Sonnie Mead, 29, commented that the latest decision “could put people a little bit on edge – it’s a weird time and a weird world we’re living in”.
She conveyed mixed feelings and emphasized the desire for everyone to feel safe.
Her mother, Kay Mead, 61, stated: “I’m a bit mixed about asylum seekers being here.”
When asked about her reaction to the appeal decision, she responded: “I don’t think people in Epping will be very pleased.”
Several others expressed their disappointment with the new ruling.
One woman commented: “I don’t agree with it as we don’t look after our own people before we look after others – our ex-soldiers and everyone, and they’re homeless as well, so give them the benefit.”
Steve Turvey, 36, said it was “completely unfair – all the protests – I think they [asylum seekers] deserve to be here, they have every right to be here and I think the reactions of everyone around here is disgusting – it’s been jumped on like a bandwagon”.
His partner Sarah said: “I think the ongoing fight and how big Epping has got embroiled in all of this is really upsetting.”
Mr Turvey added: “It’s not good – but I don’t know what the answer is.”
A full High Court hearing to determine a permanent injunction for The Bell is anticipated in mid-October.
Following Friday’s judgement, the government has underlined its intention to close asylum hotels in an “orderly way”, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to alleviate pressure on the system.
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