A pro-migration protest group whose members were spotted being escorted by police to the migrant hotel in Essex receives funding from trade unions.

The demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism were involved in the unrest at a hotel in Epping on July 17.

The group opposes Reform UK and has even set up an online fundraiser asking people for donations towards a campaign to "stop" the party.

Essex Police had at first denied escorting the protestors to the hotel but later U-turned to claim it was officers' "duty" to do so.

The backtrack came after police were shown footage of themselves walking alongside activists - some of whom were masked - as they chanted and marched through the streets.

The president of Stand Up to Racism is Diane Abbott MP, who was suspended from the Labour Party last week after "doubling down" on Jewish racism claims.

A Labour spokesman said: "Diane Abbott has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party, pending an investigation. We cannot comment further while this investigation is ongoing.”

X | Police were seen escorting pro-migrant protesters to the Epping hotel