Three people were arrested during protests outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Epping, but no violence was reported, police said.
An anti-migrant protest and pro-migrant counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) took place near the Bell Hotel, where tensions have flared since an asylum seeker living there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
In an updated statement on Sunday evening, Essex Police said protests were of a “peaceful nature” with no incidents of violence reported.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “I want to thank those who attended for the peaceful nature of both protests. “Our role is to ensure that you can express your democratic right to protest safely and lawfully and we had a proportionate and robust plan in place to ensure that could happen.
“I am pleased that today has passed off without incident and I am grateful to our colleagues from other forces for their support.”
Crowds began gathering on Sunday afternoon but tensions flared when some anti-migrant protesters began filming, sparking confrontations with SUTR members.
Chants of “Tommy Robinson is a facist”, “Farage is a racist,” and “Stand up, fight back” were heard from the counter-protesters as police worked to keep the groups physically apart.
Police were injured when violent disorder erupted at a protest on July 14, with 17 people arrested so far in connection and 10 people charged.
Meanwhile, a separate protest is still underway outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf - which was the scene of several protests and counter-protests earlier this week after rumours swirled asylum seekers were to be housed there.
Protests against migrant hotels escalated this weekend with tense stand–offs in Norwich, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Leeds.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Protests continue in Canary Wharf while dispersal order passed in Epping
20:14 , Megan HoweProtests outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf are still underway this evening, with protesters standing outside the building.
Meanwhile, protests in Epping passed peacefully, police said.
A dispersal order has now passed.
🚨NEW: Locals have gathered outside the luxury hotel in Canary Wharf for the 5th evening in a row pic.twitter.com/d3YcrPcOgy
— GB Politics (@GBPolitcs) July 27, 2025
'Peaceful nature' to both protests, Essex Police chief says
19:54 , Megan HoweChief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “I want to thank those who attended for the peaceful nature of both protests.
“Our role is to ensure that you can express your democratic right to protest safely and lawfully and we had a proportionate and robust plan in place to ensure that could happen.
“I am pleased that today has passed off without incident and I am grateful to our colleagues from other forces for their support.”
Essex Police said it facilitated a peaceful protest today
19:47 , Megan HoweEssex Police said a group of people started protesting at The Bell Hotel at around 1pm.
Officers then facilitated a march by a group of counter-protests from the tube station to their designated protest area at around 4pm, they said, before then escorting them back a short time later.
Three people arrested at Epping protest
19:32 , Megan HoweEsspex Police said three people were arrested at the Epping protest today.
A 52 year-old man from Loughton was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.
A 53-year-old woman from Loughton was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence connected with a previous protest.
A 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and a public order offence.
They are all currently in custody.
'The people up there have no interest in protecting kids' says NEU VP Ed Harlow
19:15 , Megan HoweEd Harlow, VP of the NEU said: “We are the people who look after your children. We are the people who protect your children. We are the people who teach them day in day out.
“The people up there have no interest in protecting kids.”
He added: “The people crossing the Channel are not the issue and we need to make that very very clear.
“When our kids are in school they play together, they learn together. They do not see the differences that those people see. They are united. The division comes later in life and it is driven by a broken, wretched ideology.”
"We are the majority, they are the minority and we are here to combat their hatred with love, with tolerance and with an alternative."
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) July 27, 2025
Ed Harlow, NEU VP brings solidarity to #Epping from teachers. pic.twitter.com/WxiQGvxypT
Counter-protesters had their own security at the Epping protest
19:01 , Megan HoweWeyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism, told the PA news agency that volunteer security personnel accompanied them today.
Video footage shows protesters shouting 'Protect Our Kids'
18:32 , Megan HoweVideo footage from social media platform X shows a large group of protesters shouting ‘Protect Our Kids’.
They stand behind metal railings, guarded by police, while counter-protesters can be seen on the other side.
"PROTECT OUR KIDS"
— British Democrats (@BritishDems) July 27, 2025
Members of the British Democrats attended a protest in Epping this afternoon. Well done to all those involved. We must replace the politicians who are putting our children at risk!
British Democrats - Putting British People First
Join us 👇… pic.twitter.com/ywolturMMX
Protesters heard singing 'We are the Champions'
18:25 , Megan HoweLocals in Epping sing ‘We are the champions’ outside migrant hotel after ANTIFA counter-protestors ran away as they were heavily outnumbered! 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/Mk4gJ6aziU
— Turning Point UK 🇬🇧 (@TPointUK) July 27, 2025
'It was a sense of duty to my country that brought me hear today' says Canary Wharf protester
18:13 , Megan HoweAnother protester at Canary Wharf, named Gareth, said it was "a sense of duty to my country," which brought him to the rally as he carried a shield bearing St George's Cross.
He said: "When I think of what our ancestors went through to protect this country, like most of the other patriots, I'm not pleased the way it's going and its time to take a stand.
“I think there are several [issues]. I think immigration is one, I think there's a breakdown of the family, the breakdown of a lot of societal norms that gave society a lot of stability.
“I think there's a growing disparity between the have-nots and the haves, so I think it's quite a multifaceted thing. It's a hydra with many heads.”
When asked what should be done, Gareth said: "I think the first thing is we need to get rid of the globalist government, that's one of the first things that we need to do.
“Basically, we need to almost start again, and the biggest [part] of that is actually we need to return to our Christian roots."
Protest is quietening down
18:02 , Megan HoweOur reporter on the scene has informed us that the protest in Epping is quietening down now, with a small number of protesters remaining.
The protest has reportedly shrunk to around half its original size.
Essex Police has a dispersal order in place for 8pm.
'I'm here for my girlfriend who walks late at night', Canary Wharf protester says
17:49 , Megan HoweAndrew, a protester at Canary Wharf, said it was "mainly concern for women and children in the local area that brought him out to protest.
He said: "[Canary Wharf] is a very diverse place. We all felt safe here up until recently, this week, when we found out there's going to be undocumented migrants staying in this hotel here."
Andrew said the protest was "predominantly lots of young women of working age" and "a lot who are not even British-born", who concerned about their safety.
He said: "They're going to be working late at night in the Canary Wharf area.
"If they're going to walking around late at night, the sort of individuals who you might get who are high risk in a hotel like this could potentially target them.
“So I'm really here for my girlfriend who will definitely be walking back late at night, I'll be picking her up as much as possible.
“I'm here for the children and the other women of Canary Wharf who are here today."
“It's very easy to paint us as a bunch of angry, white British lads who are annoyed with immigration but honestly, the vast majority of people I know here in London - they're not even from the UK."
In Photos: Cars honk their horns at demonstrators
17:40 , Megan Howe
'People in the area are genuinely worried about their kids', says father-of-five
17:32 , Megan HoweA father-of-five from Epping spoke to our reporter on the scene. He said his business has been affected because of the ongoing protests.
“There’s been five protests in this area over the last three to four weeks. Never attended. Not left wing, not right wing, not anything.
“I’ve lived in the area for 35 years, I have five children, four girls, one boy.
“I think this is way way over the top. It needs to be correct. I feel sorry for the police. I feel sorry for the actual general public that come out because it is dismayed by the people who come later in the evenings and literally just want to have trouble.
“I don’t think that the people who live in Epping, like myself, deserve the feedback that they’re getting.
“I believe if there was a conversation between the people that have come down today and the people that are here today...then there would be a resolve.
“I honestly believe the general people that live in the area are genuinely worried about their children.
“I also believe there may be a small minority of people that have caused the issue in the first place.”
Anti-racism protesters have moved out
17:04 , Megan HoweAll of the anti-racism counter-protesters have moved out now and only The Bell Hotel demonstrators remain.
Our reporter on the scene has said the protesters have been singing songs including Come on Eileen and We are the Champions, while waving their hands and holding England or Union Jack flags.
Reform councillor attends the protest in Epping
16:48 , Megan HoweOur reporter on the scene has said Reform UK’s Jaymey McIvor, councillor for Ongar, is present at the protest, but declined to comment.
He posted on X just before the protests started, saying: “Thank you to the wonderful team at Boardeli’s in #Abridge for their support.
“We have such an amazing patriotic community here in #EppingForest.”
Thank you to the wonderful team at Boardeli’s in #Abridge for their support 🇬🇧
— Cllr Jaymey McIvor 🏴 (@McivorJaymey) July 27, 2025
We have such an amazing patriotic community here in #EppingForest 🌳
🏴 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/0W2gcsdO8n
In photos: Protests outside The Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf
16:42 , Megan Howe.JPG)
.JPG)
Police form a barrier around The Bell Hotel
16:29 , Megan HowePolice have been spotted forming a human barrier around The Bell Hotel as protesters and counter-protesters gather.
Our reporter on the scene has said the counter-protesters appear to outnumber The Bell Hotel demonstrators by 2:1.
Both groups are in the containment area, as mapped out by Essex Police, and are separated by a metal barrier.
Watch: Protesters gather outside hotel in Epping
16:20 , Megan HoweA major police operation is underway as protesters and counter-protesters gather outside The Bell Hotel in Epping.
Listen in to what some of them have to say:
‘It’s not about being racist’: Protester defends migrant hotel demo outside Britannia in Canary Wharf
15:54 , Sami QuadriA protester outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, where a demonstration against housing asylum seekers is being held on Sunday, has said public anger is being misunderstood.
Kathleen O'Shaughnessy told the Standard: “I came over on a boat from Ireland, and we went to work when we got here. We didn't live off the country.
“I can understand why people are really upset. It's not about being racist. I'm Irish myself.
“[We should] get rid of Keir Starmer. He's not good for the country.
“I'm not saying people shouldn't be helped, but the way they're going about it is not right.”
Stand Up To Racism activists begin marching to The Bell Hotel
15:42 , Sami QuadriStand Up To Racism protesters have begun marching to The Bell Hotel.
They chanted “Refugees are welcome here” and “Whose streets? Our streets” and held banners.
Members of the group were seen trying to stop people from filming the protesters.
Locals in Epping were seen watching the march from their driveways.
Pictured: Anti-migrant protesters gather outside Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf
15:17 , Sami Quadri
Protests begin in Epping as rival groups clash ahead of migrant hotel demo
15:00 , Sami QuadriDemonstrations have begun near the Bell Hotel in Epping, where both anti-migrant protesters and counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) have gathered.
Tensions flared as some anti-migrant demonstrators began filming, prompting confrontations with members of the counter-protest.
Chants of “Tommy Robinson is a fascist,” “Farage is a racist,” and “stand up, fight back” were heard from the SUTR group as the protest got underway.
Police remain on the scene, including officers in riot gear, as a major operation continues to prevent further disorder following previous violence outside the hotel.
Pictured: Anti-migrant protesters gather outside Bell Hotel in Epping
14:42 , Sami Quadri
.jpg)
Protesters and counter-demonstrators gather in Epping
14:27 , Sami QuadriProtesters and counter-demonstrators have gathered in Epping.
A group was seen near The Bell Hotel with Union flags on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters were situated outside Epping Station ahead of a march to the hotel.
They held signs reading “Stop scapegoating refugees and migrants”.
Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism, said that volunteer security personnel will accompany them.
He added: “We’re happy to demonstrate but we’re not happy to be attacked by thugs, racists and hooligans.”
One man was seen being taken away from the station area by two officers, though it was not clear if he was part of any group.
Stand Up To Racism organiser: ‘Fascist group using Epping assault to stir up violence’
14:22 , Sami QuadriSabby Dhalu, 46, an admin worker from London and organiser with Stand Up To Racism, said recent events in Epping show a “fascist organisation stirring up violence and racism” in the community.
She told The Standard: "What we've seen in Epping over the last few weeks is a fascist organization stirring up violence and racism in Epping.
“They're seizing on a horrific crime or the sexual assault committed by an asylum seeker, they're seizing on that in order to stir up racism and violence, and that's very similar to what we saw with the horrific murders and attacks in Southport last year, which ignited a load of rioting by the far right who were winding up others to get involved in racist rioting and violence.
“So we're clearly seeing a similar attempt to use that sexual assault to wind up local communities, stir up racism, stir up violence.
"And so we're here to stand up to that, because we think that's wrong, to wind up people in a local area, to cause trouble in a local area and to stir up racism is obviously morally wrong, and it's important that we unite against that racism and fascism, mobilize against it and stand up to it and challenge it."
Pictured: Stand Up To Racism crowd grows ahead of Epping protest
14:07 , Sami Quadri
Helmets, riot gear and rising tensions as anti-racism protesters face off with far-Right in Epping
13:59 , Sami QuadriDozens of officers are in attendance at Epping Underground Station — some with riot gear and helmets, with multiple police vans and cars.
Counter-protesters are gathering at the station before making the 30-minute walk to The Bell Hotel
Lewis Nielson, of Stand Up To Racism, told The Standard: “We are here today because it has been exposed that the people organising the anti-refugee protest outside The Bell Hotel are members of a neo-nazi group (The Homeland Party).
“These are admirers of Adolf Hitler, antisemites, Islamophobes and hardcore fascists. We think it’s quite a dangerous situation because Reform UK’s Epping branch have teamed up with them. Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson are giving these people cover.
“They are tacitly supporting them and saying they are legitimate in what they are doing. We fear we will see the same level of violence as last summer. Our demonstration is an opposition to the far-Right and of unity against scapegoating.
“Any issues of sexual assault and harassment should be taken incredibly seriously. But the reality is these serious issues are being seized on in a hypocritical and cynical way by the far-Right.
Expecting hundreds of people from across the area to demonstrate (Epping, Essex, Waltham Forrest)
“We know that if they have a victory in Epping, they will target every migrant hotel in the UK. This is a flashpoint.”
“Out of order of Farage to blame the anti-racism protesters for the violence last week.”
Pictured: Stand Up To Racism members in hi-vis jackets gather ahead of Epping protest
13:26 , Sami Quadri
Canary Wharf locals protest use of Britannia hotel for migrants
13:02 , Sami QuadriIn Canary Wharf, local residents have gathered in protest against the housing of illegal migrants in the Britannia hotel.
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) July 27, 2025
A diverse crowd from different nationalities united over this issue. Good luck tarring them as “far right”. pic.twitter.com/VIDSrL1yop
Two men charged with public order offence after Diss hotel protest
12:58 , Sami QuadriTwo men have been charged with public order offences after a protest outside a hotel in Diss, Norfolk Constabulary has said.
They were arrested on Saturday after police reviewed footage from both sides of a protest that took place on Denmark Street on Monday, the force said.
James Harvey, 22, of Linden Drive, Hethersett, has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.
Luke Sharman, 23, of Harcourt Close, Norwich, has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence and possession of cannabis.
They have both been bailed to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on September 16.
Pictured: Police gather in Epping ahead of migrant hotel protests
12:54 , Sami Quadri
Poll reveals British view on small boat crossings
12:42 , Georgia BellA new poll has found that Britons are unimpressed with France’s efforts to control small boat crossings in the English channel.
The poll found 61% of Brits do not think France is doing enough to control migration.
The research was carried out by the More In Common think tank for the Sunday Times.
Residents feel 'trapped' as harassment fears grow around migrant hotel protests
12:08 , Sami QuadriResidents have told Essex Police they feel “trapped” in their homes and fearful of going outside due to ongoing protest activity.
The force said hotel residents and staff have been advised to stay indoors after 5pm, following reports of verbal and physical harassment. In one incident, a hotel resident was reportedly chased and injured while returning to the building.
Nigel Farage apologises after false Epping protest claim
12:02 , Georgia BellReform UK party leader Nigel Farage falsely claimed that police “bussed” counter-protestors to a demonstration outside the Bell Hotel earlier this week.
The police force said the claim was "categorically wrong", issuing drone footage as evidence of people travelling on foot.
Mr Farage later said he apologised if he was "slightly out on accuracy" but maintained "the gist of what I was saying was right".
Two more charged after Epping protest as police make arrests at migrant hotel demos
11:53 , Sami QuadriEssex Police said on Saturday that two more men have been charged and will appear in court after the disorder.
Lee Gower, 43, of High Street, Epping, was charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker on July 17.
He was remanded into custody and was due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Joshua Meadows, 18, of Sunnyside Road, Epping, was charged with failing to remove an item worn and possession of cannabis on July 24. He has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on September 24.
It comes after 10 people were charged in relation to the disorder, Essex Police said.
Meanwhile, there was a peaceful protest outside a hotel reportedly housing migrants in Bowthorpe near Norwich on Saturday. Norfolk Police arrested two men in their 20s on suspicion of affray following demonstrations outside hotels in Diss and Bowthorpe last week.
There have also been protests outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf which is reportedly set to be used to offer temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
Elite police division monitoring social media to prevent Epping unrest
11:14 , Georgia BellAn elite police squad is monitoring social media for signs of anti-migrant sentiment amidst the Epping protests.
This comes amid fears of another summer of disorder, following the 2024 Southport riots which led to 160 arrests.
The police were criticised heavily for their handling of last year’s protests and have established the new division to prevent similar violence.
What caused the Epping anti-migration protests?
10:44 , Georgia BellAnti-migration protests in Epping this Sunday center around The Bell Hotel, which houses asylum-seekers.
Tensions have been building over the past year, culminating last summer in the Southport riots, following the fatal stabbings at a children's dance class.
Rioters in Southport last summer set fire to cars, threw missiles at mosques, and looted shops, leading to 160 arrests.
This month, Epping has become the focal point of the protests, after a man living in The Bell Hotel was charged with the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
The protests were rallied via Facebook, and two of the organisers were later discovered to also be members of a Neo-Nazi party.
Police have enforced new restrictions on this Sunday’s protests to prevent violent escalations.
Over the last few weeks, protesters have thrown missiles, broken windows of the hotel and spray-painted graffiti.
Essex police announces plan for Epping protests
10:23 , Georgia BellThe Essex Police has announced their policing plan for the anti-migrant protests taking place in Epping this Sunday.
The plan says that anyone wearing a face covering will be ordered to take it off or face arrest.
Protestors are also restricted from taking part in any kind of procession.
For those who want to make their voices heard, there will be designated sites opposite The Bell Hotel and close to the Civic Centre.
All protests must stop by 8pm on Sunday 27 July 2025.
The Essex Police says their priority is to ensure the protests don’t prevent “people getting on with their daily lives” in Epping.
It is hoped that the measures will protect against the crime and violent disorder that has been seen at protests in previous weeks. For more on that, click here.
Protests organised by members of Neo-Nazi groups
09:56 , Georgia BellEpping protests were organised by members of a Neo-Nazi group, it has been found.
Two of the organisers of the event on the Facebook group ‘Epping Says No’ are also members of the far right group the Homeland Party.
The Homeland Party was a splinter group to the neo-Nazi Patriotic Alternative in April 2023.
For more on this, click here.
Police announce new protest restrictions to tackle unrest
09:13 , Georgia BellRestrictions include a ban on face coverings and the authority to disperse the protests.
The new restrictions come after the protests escalated in previous weeks, as demonstrators threw missiles, smashed windows, and spray-painted The Bell Hotel.
The measures come under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.
For more on this, click here.
Asylum seekers afraid to leave hotel amid protests
09:00 , Georgia BellAsylum seekers living in the Bell Hotel in Epping are too afraid to step outside, according to a charity boss.
Anti-migrant protests outside the hotel have grown since 13 July, often resulting in clashes.
One resident of the hotel was reportedly chased by the protesters while out for a walk, says Stevie Smith CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais.
Police have made 18 arrests and charged ten people with disorder since the protests began.
