The cost of policing protests in Epping could rise to £1.7 million by October, Essex’s police, fire, and crime commissioner has confirmed.
The demonstrations began after asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu was charged with sexual offences in July. Thousands of people have since gathered outside The Bell Hotel, where Kebatu had been staying before he was jailed.
Essex Police have arrested 32 people in connection with the disorder at the protests. The force also reported that eight officers were injured on 17 July after fireworks were set off and eggs thrown during one of the more volatile demonstrations.
Speaking at an Essex crime panel meeting, commissioner Roger Hirst said the policing operation had required a “substantial level” of resources, with officers even drafted in from Wales to provide support. He noted that government assistance would only be triggered if costs exceeded £4 million, meaning the force must currently absorb the expense. Hirst described it as “a classic public service conundrum”, adding, “You have the requirement right now, you have to do it. That’s the job.”
The protests have continued in recent weeks, with the latest gathering outside The Bell Hotel taking place on Thursday evening. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, tensions remain high in the community.
Epping Forest District Council has attempted to block The Bell Hotel from being used to house asylum seekers. Although a temporary injunction was granted in August, it was overturned by the Court of Appeal. The full legal case is scheduled to return to the High Court on 15 October.
The unrest followed the arrest of Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker, who was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was found guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and sentenced to one year in prison on Tuesday.
