A protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on July 20, 2025, was held in response to the hotel housing asylum seekers, following a previous demonstration that turned violent.

During the protest, violence erupted, injuring eight police officers, and leading to the arrest of Keith Silk, a 33-year-old man from Loughton, who faces charges of violent disorder and criminal damage.

Silk was arrested on Saturday, July 19, 2025, and questioned by Essex Police's serious crime directorate; he is scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Essex Police continue their investigation into the incidents and have thanked the public for providing valuable information.

Police warned protesters to remove face coverings when asked under section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, emphasizing that peaceful protest must be conducted respectfully and that refusal to comply could lead to arrest.

While affirming the right to peaceful protest, Essex Police stated they would act decisively if public order was threatened.

Over 100 demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans such as 'save our kids' and displaying signs calling for the deportation of foreign criminals and defending girls.

Some protesters engaged in confrontational behavior, including setting off flares and throwing bottles and smoke flares toward police vans blocking the hotel entrance.

Another man was arrested on July 19, 2025, for not complying with a dispersal order but has since been released on conditional bail.

The protests were fueled by the recent arrest and charges against asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, accused of sexual assault involving a 14-year-old girl, which has heightened tensions.

This arrest is part of a series of related incidents, including the arrest of a 65-year-old man from Harlow for affray near the hotel on July 13.

The police have emphasized their commitment to facilitating peaceful protests while maintaining community safety, with Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow condemning the violence.