Reform parliamentary candidate Orla Minihane has condemned Essex Police's management of demonstrations outside an Epping asylum hotel, claiming officers confined hundreds of local residents whilst facilitating counter-demonstrators' access to the area.
Speaking on GB News, Minihane alleged that approximately 300 to 400 community members spanning multiple generations found themselves restricted behind barriers whilst Stand Up to Racism activists received police escorts from the railway station.
"We were in cages, it was ludicrous. It was like a Millwall vs West Ham match," Minihane stated, drawing parallels between the police operation and football crowd control measures.
The Reform candidate expressed bewilderment at the counter-demonstrators' presence, noting that local residents had gathered to advocate for neighbourhood safety, including the ability for women to walk dogs and exercise without fear.
GB NEWS
|Minihane said the protesters were of all ages
According to Minihane, the counter-demonstrators arrived with professionally produced placards declaring "Epping is racist" and employed drums whilst chanting what she characterised as "really offensive things".
The Reform candidate described how local participants, including children crafting homemade banners and flags, eventually chose to withdraw from the confrontation.
"I said to the other guys, 'why are we here taking this? Let's just walk away'," she recounted.
Following their departure up the hill, the locals began playing music and dancing, which Minihane claimed "infuriated" the Stand Up to Racism group, who subsequently dispersed.
GB NEWS
|Minihane joined Nana Akua on GB News
She emphasised the grassroots nature of the local gathering, stating: "It's all very amateur from our point of view because contrary to public opinion, it's not organised. We are just locals."
The demonstrations at The Bell Hotel have intensified following charges against 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
He has pleaded not guilty and faces trial in August.
Essex Police have implemented stringent measures including dispersal orders, restrictions on face coverings, and designated protest zones.
GB News |
Worried mothers took to the streets of Epping
The force reported that officers have been assaulted, missiles thrown, and the hotel damaged with broken windows and graffiti during demonstrations on multiple July dates.
Ten individuals face charges related to the disorder, with court appearances scheduled for August. Police noted that some residents feel "trapped" in their homes, whilst hotel occupants and staff have been advised to remain indoors after 5pm following incidents of verbal and physical harassment.
The Home Office is establishing a specialist police unit to track social media for indicators of anti-migrant unrest, drawing officers from forces nationwide to identify early warning signs of potential disorder.
Meanwhile, asylum seekers at The Bell have reported experiencing violence, with one Yemeni man displaying facial injuries allegedly inflicted by six attackers who ambushed him whilst walking.
Another resident from east Africa described being pursued through the streets by demonstrators, stating: "I felt as if I was running for my life."
Multiple asylum seekers have expressed desires for the hotel's closure, citing safety concerns. One resident noted: "Before the protesters arrived I felt safe here and we had no problem at all with the local residents, who were nice to us."