Third person arrested after violent clashes outside Essex hotel for asylum seekers
Eight police officers were injured in what started as a peaceful protest outside the Bell hotel in Epping on Thursday evening.
A 33-year-old man from Loughton was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of violent disorder and criminal damage, Essex police said. He is in custody waiting to be questioned.
Two people were arrested on Friday in relation to the protests.
Riot police wore helmets while crowds of men, some masked, surrounded a small counter-demonstration by anti-racism activists.
Counter-demonstrators and police were pelted with plastic bottles, eggs and flour but the violence worsened as those in the crowd directly attacked officers and vandalised police vans.
Dean Walters, 65, of Corner Meadow in Harlow, has been charged with affray and will appear at court in September after a separate protest on Sunday 13 July.
A second man arrested for a breach of a dispersal order has been released on conditional bail.
Thursday's demonstration was the latest in a series of protests outside the hotel since an asylum seeker was charged with three counts of sexual assault.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, who denied the offences when he appeared at Chelmsford magistrates court on Thursday, was remanded in custody before a two-day trial next month.
Ch Supt Simon Anslow said: 'The events in Epping on Thursday were shocking and have no place in our neighbourhoods. We understand the concerns of the local community and support everyone's right to peaceful protest.
'Unfortunately, across social media we are seeing inflammatory comments which suggest we were supporting and enabling certain protesters. This is categorically not true. We police without fear or favour, remaining impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.
'Officers will act robustly and swiftly towards anyone intent on disrupting the local community's right to have their voices heard.'
Essex police's assistant chief constable Stuart Hooper had urged people not to attend any future protests outside the hotel that have been discussed on social media.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Father of girl, 14, 'sexually assaulted' in Epping backs migrant hotel protests - as asylum seekers are told they'll be made homeless if they refuse to move out
Britons living on the frontlines of the migrant hotel crisis have shared how they really feel about living there as protests erupt around the UK amid fears tensions will boil over. Thousands of migrants are being housed across the country in taxpayer-funded hotels which have been taken over by the Home Office, as Britain struggles to get a grip with the small boats crisis. Violent protests have erupted outside some venues, with riot police clashing with anti-migrant activists in the market town of Epping, Essex, close to one hotel where a migrant allegedly sexually assaulted a schoolgirl. He denies the charges. A wave of demonstrations have followed, including in Norfolk where the Home Office is planning to replace families with single male migrants as well as a four-star Canary Wharf hotel earmarked for housing asylum seekers. But amid the scenes of anger, counter-protesters have rushed to the hotels to insist 'refugees are welcome'. They returned to The Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf today, where police have gathered in anticipation of further protests. The presence of counter-protesters has led to accusations of police double standards after footage emerged of Essex Police and Hampshire Police escorting them to the hotels for demonstrations. Epping has become the eye of the anti-migrant storm, with protests held outside The Bell Hotel on July 13, 17, 20 and again last night. Calls are growing for the Government to close the hotel amid community tension. Those living on the ground face an unprecedented dilemma. They insist they are not right-wing or anti-migrants, but rather no longer feel safe in their own homes. Perhaps summing up the mood of residents in Epping, one woman told BBC Newsnight: 'I'm really disappointed that it's been reopened. It's not right, there is a school right by. It's just not correct. 'It's right the families of this little village actually fight for it. They are not right [wing], they are not Reform or anything like that. They are just there to protect their children. Asked why it's inappropriate with a school nearby, she added: 'We don't know where they've come from. It sounds so right wing but I'm not. I just find it so wrong, why did they close it in the first place? I don't think it should be open at all.' The Bell Hotel housed migrants for two years, ending in April last year, and asylum seekers were moved to other locations. But today, the hotel is the epicentre of the anger, having reopened back up to house migrants three months ago. The crisis exploded once again after after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with a number of sexual offences only days after arriving in the UK. The father of a 14-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted has backed calls to have The Bell Hotel - where Kebatu was staying - shut down. Conservative Councillor Shane Yerrel read out a message allegedly from the girl's father at a council meeting last night, which reportedly said: 'I just want the hotel to be moved, not only off our streets, but away from making any other family feel how we're feeling right now. 'It's not fair that the Government are putting our children and grandchildren at risk, even their own.' He is then said to have thanked the people of Epping for their 'kind messages' and that they were 'helping [my daughter] get through every day'. It comes as an investigation by The Mail on Sunday revealed the shocking scale of serious crime being committed by migrants living in hotels nationwide. At least 312 asylum seekers have been charged with an astonishing 708 alleged criminal offences in just three years – including rape, sexual assault, attacking emergency workers and theft. The research, based on an analysis of court records, provides a snapshot of crimes recorded at 70 of the 220 taxpayer-funded hotels being used to house migrants, with 18 charges of rape, five of attempted rape, 35 of sexual assault, 51 of theft and 43 drug offences allegedly having been committed by residents. Last night, Epping residents told MailOnline about feeling 'uncomfortable' with the ongoing crisis. Lindsey, 58, said: 'I've been in Epping for 17 years and my daughter goes to the school behind here (the hotel) and also the same school where the poor girl was allegedly attacked. Others in the community say: 'We welcome all migrants'. Pro-migrant protesters have countered at the demonstrations 'We have been uncomfortable. There are 140 men who are there. This is a small town people talk and hear stuff all the time. In big cities those things can get flushed away and airbrushed out here we hear more. 'And we are terrified. I've been here everyday and we are just mums in sundresses, facing up against police is masks and weapons. 'At this point the hotel needs to be closed. And the people sent somewhere where they are not free to roam around before they can be vetted. 'People think this is only about racism but it has nothing to do with race. You can be whatever colour, they could be Scottish people in there but until we know who is in our town they are not welcome. They must be vetted.' Phillip, 64, who is from Buckinghamshire, said: 'We have the same issue in Buckinghamshire that is why I am here. There is a hotel there and a school just round the corner. 'We have had cases of illegals who make gestures at the children. It is disgusting. If I had a young girl I would be terrified. How can the government put us in this situation?' Councillors in Epping have unanimously voted to urge the Government to close The Bell Hotel and the nearby Phoenix Hotel - another lodging housing migrants. When false rumours spread online that the Epping migrants were being moved to The Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf earlier this week, protesters descended on London's financial district to voice their anger. The four-star hotel was surrounded by the Met Police following Wednesday's protest by anti-migrant demonstrators. A ring of steel has been formed around it as workers begun bringing in mattresses and beds. MailOnline spoke to protesters at the hotel yesterday, with many 'outraged' by the Home Office plans. Paul, 41, an account manager who lives in the area and was live-streaming the scene on his phone, told MailOnline: 'It is outrageous. A majority of us couldn't afford to stay in a £400 a night hotel. 'I don't understand why they are getting such treatment. Everyone should be treated equally and fair. 'I think this is going to go on until this whole operation is shut down. People are not happy. It is just not fair on the taxpayer. Me, you, the police, the protesters both the left and the right. Ben Cavanagh, who has lived just a couple of streets away from the hotel in Canary Wharf for all his life, said: 'I am here to peacefully protest about these guys coming into the hotel. 'I am basically here for the safety of my wife, my kids, my relative's kids and anyone else around that lives in the local area. 'We have all seen from other parts of the country what these guys are doing, not all of them but a small minority who are causing havoc to the local women and children and this won't be happening in the Isle of Dogs.' The 45-year-old added: 'It has been all local people protesting. We are protesting for our families on the Isle of Dogs and our community. 'You cannot expect to put a large group of men in one place and not expect there to be repercussions. That is my fear. 'This will just heap more and more pressure on the local community. We are already under pressure massively, financially.' Ben's mother Lorraine, 70, is also concerned for the welfare of the local community. She told MailOnline: 'We are here before the rent-a-mob lot come. We are here peacefully. 'Our concerns are that we don't want a repeat of what happened in Southport or in Epping. Our pensioners are terrified. They are absolutely terrified. We don't want to get to the point of I told you so.' But pro-migrant protesters have fought back, including spraying 'We welcome all migrants' in graffiti outside the hotel. While protests are raging in the south, the feeling is similar in the north. At The Cedar Court hotel in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, residents say they feel 'vulnerable in their own homes'. The hotel hit the headlines when it was revealed a secret Deliveroo and Uber Eats takeaway kitchen was being run, amid fears residents were staffing it. Security was recently stepped up after the premises were daubed with 'Stop the Boats' and 'Boycott Hotel' in red paint on the walls along with other hate messages. Police are investigating after spray paint was used on the walls and signs in the early hours of Wednesday, July 9. Anne Critchell, 70, said the crisis 'is ridiculous and completely out of hand'. She said: 'This lot frighten me. I have got security lights outside so I can see if there is anyone. In the garden. We feel vulnerable in our own homes. 'I don't see an end to it. I just think it is going to get worse. There were protests literally the day we moved in and we thought 'What is going on here?'. Walking his dog Ruby, Graham Bennett, 74, said: 'I think it is disgrace that we are paying to keep them there. It is totally disgusting. They will not give pensioners a rise but they give them buggers it. 'Then there is the homeless as well. The management of the hotel are making money out of us and our taxis. 'No one can stay at the hotel anymore and there is security on the gate stopping us going in. Ninety per cent of people disagree with the agreement. 'The Government say they cannot stop them coming over. But they are giving them more and more money. If they did not give them anything they would not want come over here.' Sophie, 45, who declined to give her second name, said: 'I walk my dog a lot so I see what is going on and you can smell the cannabis. 'My neighbour is having to close her window at night even though it is so warm because of the noise from the hotel. 'Last year, I was walking my dog and found one of their benefit cards. I rang the number on the card and they told me hand it in at the hotel. 'When I got into reception there was security residents drinking and smoking and I was told I was not supposed to set foot on the premises.' Martine, 40, who declined to give her second name, said: 'The other month there was quite a serious incident with my daughter I had to report to police. 'I was painting the fence and my daughter asked to walk the dog down the street to the lamp post and back. 'She is only seven and has never ventured anywhere. I looked up to see a guy crossing the road towards her. 'I shouted to her. She did not hear me. So I legged it down the road. He clocked me and pretended to be stroking the dog. 'But he had been heading directly for my daughter and there was no other reason to cross the road other than seeing a child on her own. 'It was really scary. I reported it to police. They went to the hotel to take his details but there was nothing concrete so there were no charges. 'The noise has got really bad. There is no number to ring when they are playing music really loud at 10pm at night. 'We are concerned that they are protesting again down south. I just don't want it to kick off up here again. 'When it happened last year it was horrendous with all the police presence and goodness knows how much it was all happening.' Terrance Ryder, 80, said: 'It is the same throughout the country. I sympathise with asylum seekers but I don't believe a big percentage of them are asylum seekers. 'They are all young men coming here to work for a while. I think they ought to be moving them on. 'I just don't think the government knows what its doing. They are supposed to be stopping the boats but they are not stopping them at all. Christine Ashton, 71, said: 'I have got seven cameras up on the house now. Our lives have changed. We feel like we are being watched. 'You feel trapped. If you go on holiday it is scary. We had only been on holiday a few days and we got broken into. 'It is all kicking off down in Epping so it is just a matter of time before it comes up here. So everyone is feeling nervy.' Chris Mitchell, 61, said: 'It is getting worse. When these guys first came over five years ago they were really nice. Now the smoke cannabis and party until 12 o clock at night. 'They have got a sense of entitlement over the last six to 12 months. Two weeks ago I was at my wits end because it was so hot. 'I had my windows open and weed was blowing through it. It was beyond a joke. I have to get every morning for work to pay for all them. 'Security and management have lost control now. There used to be a 9pm curfew and it was fine. 'Residents are afraid to walk down the gunnel at night.' Another male resident, aged 75, said: 'I can see they are refugees who may be fleeing death threats. But they are staying in a four star hotel and see to have free reign where they go and what they do.' Meanwhile an asylum seeker hotel in suburban Manchester has been hit by regular rounds of protests after a story went round that migrants were getting private healthcare. Protesters have regularly turned up at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham, in recent months - with counter demonstrations from left-wing protestors chanting against them to add to the chaos. The hotel became a focus for anti-migrant protests after widely shared fake claims that the 300 migrants at the hotel were getting free private healthcare Tempers flared at a church hall meeting held by local Conservative councillors after it was wrongly suggested that asylum seekers would receive medical treatment from a private doctors' service. At the same, it was announced that Altrincham Hospital's minor injuries unit would be closing permanently. In reality, Gtd Healthcare, a not-for-profit organisation, rather than local services that had been given a 12-week contract to provide publicly funded NHS healthcare to the migrants. The false claims have also led to a number of so-called anti-migrant influencers turning up with film cameras to the hotel's reception. And some migrant residents say they feel it is 'now dangerous' for them to leave the hotel. One male Nigerian said today: 'We're all scared. 'They were a few protesters who were filming us and asking us where we were from. They were in the hotel grounds. 'A few of them shouted: 'Go home'. It was frightening as they were right in our faces. 'I have also been followed while walking into the town. I came to this country to feel safe but now I don't. 'I came on a small boat and it was not safe. It is not worth it if my life is in danger.' IT worker Sam Brownhill, 45, said: 'I saw about 20 to 30 far right campaigners here the other week with Union Jack flags. 'They were screaming stuff like go home. I fear there could be trouble here especially if the sun comes out more.' There are concerns the unrest will spiral into a summer of protests. Adding to the anger is accusations of police double standards. In Epping, Essex Police admitted escorting pro-migrant protesters to The Bell Hotel after initially denying they had done this. Officers from Hampshire Police were filmed doing the same, on May 10, at Potters International Hotel in Aldershot in new footage. Yesterday, a policing leader said the protests in Epping were a 'signal flare' revealing how ill-equipped forces are to deal with disorder. Tiff Lynch, head of the Police Federation in England and Wales, which represents rank-and-file officers, warned that unrest at The Bell was 'not just a troubling one-off' but a reminder of the 'deep fragility within our public order policing system'. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned: 'There is no question, this is the unhappiest I have seen, I think, the UK in a long, long time and it's all coming to a head.' He told Talk TV: 'The migrants issue is a major cause of this.' Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, said protesters in Epping were 'upset for legitimate reasons'. He acknowledged there was 'huge frustration that is shared by the Government' about the asylum system and the pressures it has created on housing. When asked whether he was worried about unrest spreading, the Cabinet minister told Sky News that the Government, police and other enforcement agencies were 'prepared for all situations'. He said: 'I think what we've got to talk about is: Why are people unhappy with, say, the asylum system? Are they reasonable? 'Are they upset for legitimate reasons? Yes, we share those as a government. 'That is why we are sorting it out. And I understand the frustrations people have, but ultimately, you solve those frustrations and solve the problem by fixing and getting a grip of the core issue, which is what we're doing.' Mr Reynolds said the number of hotels being used to house asylum seekers in the UK had halved from 400 to about 200. He added: 'The solution is not putting people in different forms of accommodation, it's about having a system where if people shouldn't be in the UK, they have to leave the UK.' Sixteen people were arrested after a protest at The Bell last week. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged. A planned march from The Bell to an emergency meeting of councillors last night threatened to bring disorder but, thanks to rain and a heavy police presence, fewer protesters than expected turned up. Many seemed to be so-called social media influencers, recording themselves live on their phones. Having been kept behind the metal barriers, a number of women led a steady stream of walkers chanting 'save our kids'. Essex Police had threatened protesters with arrest if they caused trouble, issuing a dispersal order in the area.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Dad of girl, 14, ‘sexually assaulted by asylum seeker' has ‘backed calls to have Epping migrant hotel shut down'
THE dad of a girl allegedly sexually assaulted by an asylum seeker wants the hotel where the migrant stayed to be shut down, a councillor has claimed. This week Epping in Essex, and later Canary Wharf in London, have been torn apart by protests in a row over taxpayer-funded asylum seeker hotels. 10 10 10 10 The disorder began outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, where anti-migrant protests erupted following an alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The Bell Hotel has housed migrants since 2020. Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with the assault days after arriving in the UK on a small boat. Kebatu, 38, denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford magistrates' court. Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell read out a letter he claimed was from the teenage girl's father at a meeting on Thursday. The Telegraph reported the letter as saying: 'I just want the hotel to be moved, not only off our streets, but away from making any other family feel how we're feeling right now. 'It's not fair that the Government are putting our children and grandchildren at risk, even their own.' The dad thanked those in Epping for 'kind messages' that are 'helping [my daughter] get through every day'. This is the first time the girl's family has spoken out on the disorder, and the council voted in favour of closing down the hotel. The Conservative leader of Epping Forest District Council, Chris Whitbread, said: "I am concerned that our residents' peaceful protests are being infiltrated on the extremes of politics. "I'm worried that Epping will become a focus and a battleground for the agendas of those extremist groups and they will continue to stoke tensions as part of their wider campaigns." Shock moment cops DRIVE INTO protester while under siege from yobs as chaos erupts over small boat migrant 'sex assault' 'SCATTERED INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE' On Thursday, a crowd of 200 protesters gathered outside The Bell Hotel to express their discontent with it being used to house migrants. They wore signs and t-shirts with slogans displayed on them while chanting "save our kids" in the heavy rain. Officers from at least six forces outside of the county attended to try and keep the peace - and Essex Police have come under heavy criticism. One person was arrested for breaching an order in place that prevents anyone from wearing a face covering. A total of 16 arrests were made following disorder outside the same hotel last week, and six have been charged. The protest, outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as "scattered incidents of violence" targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. The unrest saw yobs launching themselves on riot vans, smashing windshields and ripping off wingmirrors in senseless displays of "hooliganism". One thug was even run over while attempting to stop a police van gaining access to the hotel. Another man had his teeth knocked out after riot cops smashed a shield into his face in a brutal clash. Since tensions reached boiling point, violent demonstrations have cost the force £100,000. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: 'We'd promised that we'd continue our investigations into the unacceptable actions of a small number of people who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to try to cause harm to people in Epping or to property. 'We've been analysing footage and we have investigators and trained detectives working on this operation. MIGRANT SHOPLIFT SPREE Fury as brazen asylum seekers filmed shoplifting designer gear worth thousands before returning to hotel YOU pay for By Rachel Dale and Thomas Godfrey ASYLUM seekers staying in taxpayer-funded hotels are swiping thousands of pounds of designer gear from top stores. Tipped off by a security firm, we saw organised gangs exit Liberty in London with alarm-dodging bags of luxury items. They pounced at stores including Liberty, Polo Ralph Lauren and John Lewis — then headed back to their Holiday Inn home. The Sun was alerted to the situation by exasperated security staff who feel powerless to stop the brazen thefts. A whistle-blower said 70 per cent of shoplifters in the West End are asylum seekers. The man, who works in private security, said his teams are at breaking point and the area 'verging on lawless'. He added: 'The police rarely attend and the maximum we can hold them for is four hours — after that we just have to let them go. We see the same faces again and again.' Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'It is a slap in the face to British people for illegal migrants to break into the UK then engage in brazen criminality. They need to be deported immediately. 'The small boats are fuelling crime and making the public less safe. It's a national security emergency and Keir Starmer should treat it as one.' Last Thursday we saw a team of two migrants meet up at the Holiday Inn, Wembley. They carried bags lined with tin foil that stop security tags going off when leaving stores. A Home Office spokeswoman said: 'No one claiming asylum should be breaking our laws and we will take robust action to remove anyone found to be doing so. 'Since July 2024, we have removed over 5,000 foreign national offenders – a 14% increase on the previous year. 'We are also cracking down on shoplifting across the country with 3,000 new neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to keep our communities safe, and introducing tough new laws to tackle retail crime in our landmark Crime and Policing Bill.' The Met said: 'Our proactive patrols and activity solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year than last.' 'We are identifying suspects and there will be more arrests in the coming days. 'Put simply: If you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won't get away with it." It comes after the Chief Constable of Essex Police refused to resign after footage seemingly showed officers escorting pro-migrant activists to the asylum seeker hotel. Essex Police had initially denied it brought demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism to the Bell Hotel in Epping before clashes with anti-migrant protesters last Sunday. While accepting it provided a "foot cordon", the force has denied claims it specifically "bussed" the counter-protesters to the hotel. Essex Police are continuing to face heavy scrutiny over its handling of the protests. A spokesperson for the force added: "Misinformation has circulated online suggesting we 'bussed in' counter protestors during a recent protest in Epping on Thursday 17 July. "This is categorically untrue." UNREST IN CANARY WHARF It comes as barriers are blocking off entry to a four-star hotel being converted to house asylum seekers. The 500-room Britannia Hotel in London 's Canary Wharf is currently preparing for migrants to arrive. Photos showed new beds and mattresses being unloaded and carried into the four star hotel in the heart of the capital's swanky docklands, and where rooms can typically cost up to £469 a night. False rumours spread online suggested it was being used for migrants being moved from The Bell Hotel. 'Asylum seekers are not being removed from The Bell Hotel in Epping,' a Home Office spokesperson said. A spokesman for Tower Hamlets council said: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' The Home Office has reserved more than 400 beds at the Britannia International Hotel, agreeing a deal for £81 per night for each migrant who stays there. It has been confirmed that no asylum seekers are currently living there. The Home Office reserves beds in empty hotel rooms in case of a surge in crossings over the summer period. Home Office sources revealed to The Sun that the average cost per night for a hotel room for a migrant is now £118.87, down from £162.16 in March 2023. Housing asylum seekers in hotels costs the taxpayer £5.77million a day. 10 10 'A CRISIS THAT HAS REACHED BOILING POINT' The "powder keg" this week has prompted fears of another summer of rioting in the UK - with cops worried that they could see similar scenes to that of disorder in the wake of misinformation over the Southport killer being a migrant. Conservative MP Dr Neil Hudson warned that the disorder is a 'crisis that has reached boiling point'. Sir Keir Starmer released a statement in response to the growing tensions. "Well, I think it's obviously important that communities know that we are working to reduce the number of asylum hotels," said the PM's spokesperson. "That is a clear government policy. But it's also important that legitimate protest doesn't cross over into something else, and we would always hope that communities would respect that. "But we are, and I think the Prime Minister is on record as saying, about the need to cut migration, both lawfully and illegal migration, and that is something that you're seeing in working on tirelessly over the last year, whether it be the agreement with the French last week or the agreement with the German government yesterday, that is a priority for this government. "It is something that requires international solutions, and that is why you're seeing this flurry of activity from this government to tackle these gangs from every possible angle.' 10 10
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Fury erupts over footage of second police force escorting pro-migrant protesters to asylum seeker hotel as Epping unrest sparks nationwide tensions
A second police force has come under fire after a video emerged showing officers escorting pro-migrant activists to a protest outside an asylum seeker hotel. Officers from Hampshire police were filmed walking alongside anti-racism counter-protesters to Potters International Hotel in Aldershot, where migrants are staying. The footage, filmed on May 10, comes as Essex Police this week faced fierce criticism after a similar video showed officers escorting counter-protesters to the Bell Hotel in Epping, last week. The row led to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police's chief constable, BJ Harrington, to resign on Wednesday - something the senior officer has firmly rejected. Meanwhile, top police campaigners have warned the violence was a 'signal flare' which could spark similar waves of chaos across the UK this summer. The latest clip of officers 'bussing' counter-protesters saw one activist brandishing a placard supporting the campaign Stand Up to Racism - which is partly funded by trade unions and led by suspended Labour MP, Diane Abbott. The group is already planning to mobilise scores of its supporters to take part in a series of planned counter-protests outside migrant hotels this weekend. But the presence of the left-wing activists has reportedly led to violence erupting at previous rallies, with anti-asylum seeker demonstrators in Epping saying it is what triggered the chaotic scenes of disorder in the Essex town on July 17. Police made 16 arrests and have so far charged five people with violent disorder, with officers accusing a small group of people of acting 'thuggishly' and using the peaceful demonstration to commit 'criminal' acts. Commenting on the footage from Hampshire, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative Party leader told the Telegraph: 'It is simply not the police's job to facilitate protest. It is their job to make sure there is peace on the streets. 'If you come to counter protests you're asking for trouble, and it's not the police's job to facilitate that. By doing so, they run the risk of bringing people there who are out to cause trouble. It makes no sense at all.' However, a leading policing campaigner has hit back and slammed those criticising the officers for 'simply doing their job'. Norman Brennan, a veteran former London police officer with three decades of experience, said he supported the anti-migrant demonstrators. However, the retired officer-turned policing campaigner told MailOnline: 'Police have a duty to people. They have a job to do. 'You can't criticise the police for doing something that they're paid to do – that's keeping the peace. You can't have a pop for the police simply doing their job. 'It's like football matches when you have two rival teams, you have duty of care to ensure both are protected. 'The police would have known there are likely to be agitators there. However, as people have a lawful right to protest, police escorted them. It's part of their job. 'Those police officers probably didn't even want to be there but they were tasked to with keeping the peace. And in keeping the peace, police might do something which one side of the demonstration will take a disliking to, accusing them of taking sides.' He added the criticism faced by some officers was unfair and pointed the figure of blame on the 'violent agitators' who turn up at demonstrations not to peacefully protest but to try and deliberately cause mayhem. 'Police don't want conflict. But we have got a very angry nation. We have these belligerent people who are angry and violent and turn up at these protests to cause mayhem. They're the problem, not the police,' Mr Brennan added. The latest video to emerge was filmed when Turning Point UK was demonstrating alongside local activists Rushmoor People First. Some of the pro-migrant protesters were seen wearing masks, glasses and hoodies to cover their faces. Others held banners saying 'refugees welcome'. While the anti-migrant protester carried Union flags and plaques with slogans like 'pensioners before migrants', 'illegals housed here' and 'house Brits on waiting lists'. These activists did not appear to be wearing face masks. Hampshire Constabulary has insisted officers 'engage' with those attending the demonstration to 'ensure they know where they can safely protest'. However, a spokesman for Turning Point UK said it was growing 'increasingly appalled' to see officers escorting 'far-Left agitators' to protests. A spokesman for Hampshire police said: 'Protests outside Potters International Hotel regularly take place on an area of land which backs directly onto a busy A road, running between Aldershot and Farnborough. 'Therefore, there is only one direction for people attending from Aldershot town centre or the nearby housing estate to arrive. 'Officers engage with those attending, and ensure they know where they can safely protest both in advance and on the day. 'Policing protests requires us to balance the rights of those lawfully protesting and the rights of others to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption, whilst keeping the public safe. 'Protests organised by Rushmoor People First and attended by counter-protesters this year have all concluded with no disorder, thanks to proactive engagement with police by protest organisers and the decisions made by officers on the ground to safely facilitate attending groups.'
