An anti-immigration protester tries to get through the cordon of riot police outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Getty Images
An anti-immigration protester tries to get through the cordon of riot police outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Getty Images
An anti-immigration protester tries to get through the cordon of riot police outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Getty Images
An anti-immigration protester tries to get through the cordon of riot police outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Getty Images

Protesters and police clash outside UK migrant hotel


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Protesters have clashed with police outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers in the UK.

Fireworks were let off and eggs were thrown outside the hotel in Epping, Essex.

It is the latest demonstration to take place outside the Bell Hotel after a 38-year-old man was accused of sexual assault.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu denied trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

On Thursday, a man was arrested on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault during Sunday’s protest, police said.

“We have closed a section of High Road, Epping, for the safety of the public and those protesting,” Essex Police said.

“We will not tolerate any criminality on our streets, whether linked to protesting or not,” the force added.

“One man has already been arrested at today’s protest on suspicion of affray following reports of an assault near The Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday July 13.

“He will be taken into custody while our inquiries continue.”

Masked far-right, anti-immigration protesters attack and jump on police vans as large crowds of anti-immigration protesters clash outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Getty Images
Masked far-right, anti-immigration protesters attack and jump on police vans as large crowds of anti-immigration protesters clash outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Getty Images

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Disruption and offending is never an appropriate response, no matter the strength of feeling in this case, and on this issue.

“People protesting peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us – and the wider public – no concern.

“However, we can never, and will never, tolerate criminal behaviour of any sort and anyone identified as committing crime will be dealt with robustly.”

Police later said one officer had sustained a minor neck injury.

Mr Anslow said: “I am sure those living in Epping have concerns following tonight. I share those concerns.

“We know the people who carried out these crimes do not represent Epping or Essex.

“Nothing about the offending we saw tonight is representative of these communities, or the peaceful event that ended before this started. This was crime.

“Our detectives are already working through the footage of this evening – from our officers bodyworn camera, from our drones and from social media – and where offences are identified we will take action.”

School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”

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Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

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Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

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Updated: July 18, 2025, 7:37 AM