Overview

• Essex Police extended a dispersal order through Monday, banned face coverings and set designated protest zones to contain demonstrations outside the Bell Hotel.
• Three people were arrested at Sunday’s protests in Epping on suspicion of public order and related offences.
• Stand Up to Racism mobilized roughly 700 counter-protesters in Epping to support refugees and challenge anti-immigrant chants.
• Similar demonstrations targeting hotels housing asylum seekers took place over the weekend in Norwich, Leeds, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Canary Wharf.
• MP Kemi Badenoch and council leader Chris Whitbread have demanded the immediate closure of the Bell Hotel, citing concerns that it has become a flashpoint for extremist agitators.