International News - Police Escorted Pro Migrant Activists to Epping Migrant Protest, Sparking Political Outrage

The role of Essex Police in escorting counter-protesters—including Antifa and Stand Up To Racism activists—to a tense migrant demonstration outside the Bell Hotel in Epping has drawn fierce criticism, political backlash, and national attention.

Escorted to the Heart of the Protest

Footage widely circulated online shows officers accompanying a group of black-clad protesters—believed to include Antifa and far-left activists—through police lines and directly toward local residents and protesters gathered outside the asylum accommodation hotel. According to eyewitnesses and commentators, the group was escorted by a protective police cordon, with officers facilitating their access to the protest zone.

Nigel Farage, who amplified the footage across social media, described the police escort as “an extraordinary betrayal of public trust” and called for the resignation of Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington. “These people were not peaceful residents,” Farage claimed, “they were radical agitators brought in to provoke violence.”

Police Denial of Bussing Allegations

While some claimed counter-protesters had been bussed in by Essex Police, the force categorically denied this, insisting that officers neither organised nor transported the group. In a formal statement, Essex Police acknowledged they had escorted the group on foot for their own safety, and to ensure separation between opposing groups. However, critics argue that even facilitating their access to the demonstration zone risked inflaming an already volatile situation.

Chief Constable Harrington defended the force’s actions:

“We will always uphold the right to lawful protest and counter-protest. But when tensions rise, our duty is to prevent violence—on all sides.”

Clashes and Arrests

The protests, which began after the arrest of an Ethiopian asylum seeker charged with sexual offences against a child, turned violent over the weekend. Demonstrators, including both anti-migrant protesters and counter-protesters, clashed with police. At least eight officers were injured, and over a dozen arrests were made for violent disorder and criminal damage.
Local residents claimed the protest was hijacked by outside activists and escalated into chaos after counter-protesters arrived. Some held Essex Police directly responsible for enabling the confrontation.

MPs and Ministers React

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price condemned the police for their role, claiming:

“It appears Essex Police were more interested in facilitating far-left confrontation than protecting local people.”

In contrast, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds struck a more balanced tone, acknowledging local anger but warning against political opportunism.

“Many residents are understandably upset—but extremist groups are exploiting the situation, and we must not let violence replace policy.”

Far-Right and Far-Left Involvement

The protest has seen fringe groups on both ends of the political spectrum become involved. The far-right Homeland party is alleged to have coordinated much of the anti-migrant mobilization via the “Epping Says No” Facebook group. Meanwhile, counter-protesters included members of Antifa and Stand Up To Racism, both of whom deny provoking violence.

The Times reported that neo-Nazi groups have used the Bell Hotel incident as a call to action for protests at other asylum centres across the UK—echoing tensions seen during the 2024 unrest.

A Nation on Edge

This incident adds to growing scrutiny over how UK police forces manage highly polarised events. The question now dominating political discourse is: Should police be seen to facilitate one side over another?

Key Takeaways

Police escorted counter-protesters, including Antifa, through protective cordons to the heart of the protest.
Nigel Farage and others accused the police of effectively aiding far-left agitators.
Essex Police deny bussing anyone in but admitted to escorting protesters on foot.
Clashes between protesters and counter-protesters resulted in injuries and arrests.
Local MPs accuse police of escalating tensions rather than defusing them.
Calls grow for a national inquiry into police impartiality and the handling of protests at migrant housing facilities.