Essex Police Deny Allegations of Transporting Counter-Protesters to Asylum Hotel Demonstration

Image: Jihad Watch

Essex Police have strongly denied claims that they transported anti-racism protesters to a demonstration outside a hotel in Epping currently housing asylum seekers, calling such allegations “categorically wrong.” The denial comes in response to repeated assertions made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and others, which have circulated widely online.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington addressed the controversy in a press briefing held on Wednesday. He firmly rejected suggestions that his officers had facilitated the movement of counter-demonstrators to the protest site at the Bell Hotel, where tensions flared last week. Harrington’s remarks came amid escalating unrest surrounding the presence of asylum seekers in the area — unrest that has been fueled both by a recent sexual assault charge involving an asylum seeker and by far-right groups amplifying outrage online.

So far, Essex Police have arrested ten individuals in connection with violent incidents that erupted during and after demonstrations outside the hotel. The protests, which began as local reactions, have since been co-opted by far-right activists who have played a significant role in organizing and promoting them through online platforms. The force now braces for further unrest, with additional demonstrations expected as early as Thursday evening and continuing into Sunday.

On Sunday, riot police were once again confronted with hostility as projectiles were thrown at officers, prompting the use of a dispersal order to clear the area.

Addressing the growing spread of misinformation online, Harrington clarified that while officers had created a controlled cordon to allow individuals to safely reach the protest and express their views, at no point did the police transport counter-protesters to the hotel. In some instances, individuals who were found to be in danger—surrounded by aggressive groups targeting police—were removed from the scene in police vehicles for their own safety. However, the police emphasized that this was a protective measure and not an act of transporting demonstrators to the location.

Despite these clarifications, Farage doubled down on his accusations, calling for Harrington’s resignation and posting a video online that he claimed showed evidence of Essex Police aiding left-wing protesters.

Harrington used the media briefing not only to set the record straight but also to urge the public to reflect on the potential real-world consequences of spreading misinformation. He warned that unfounded claims and online incitement could contribute to further tensions, possibly endangering both the community and officers on the ground.

“Think very carefully before you share or act on information online,” Harrington said. “There are real people and real consequences behind every click and comment.”

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)