A protest at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which houses asylum seekers, turned violent as demonstrators threw bottles and smoke flares at police vehicles. The unrest occurred after hundreds gathered following the arrest of an asylum seeker suspected of sexual assaults. Police made three arrests and implemented a Section 60AA order requiring removal of face coverings. Protesters chanted ‘send them home’ and displayed signs about child safety concerns. Authorities condemned the escalation as ‘mindless thuggery’ against officers.