At least 18 people have been arrested in connection with protests outside Epping's Bell Hotel, which have spiralled into violent clashes.

The protests began after an asylum seeker living at the hotel was arrested and charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, has denied the offences and remains in custody on remand.

Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel in Epping since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

THE dad of a girl allegedly sexually assaulted by an asylum seeker wants the hotel where the migrant stayed to be shut down, a councillor has claimed. This week Epping in Essex, and later Canary

Councillors vote to urge Government to close Epping asylum hotel - The latest protest outside the Bell Hotel was held on Thursday evening.

Asylum seekers must be removed from a hotel in Epping, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has insisted after days of angry protests. Roger Hirst wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, warning that the Bell Hotel was “unsuitable” for housing migrants and insisting their presence was “clearly creating community tension”.

Anti-migrant protestors are marching from an asylum hotel to council offices after violent unrest in Epping. Anti-migrant protestors are marching from the Bell Hotel to the council offices.