Essex Police has strongly denied claims by Nigel Farage it “bussed” counter-demonstrators to a protest outside a migrant hotel in Epping.The Reform UK leader had called for the force’s chief constable to resign over the accusations.
In a video posted on X on Wednesday morning, the Clacton MP said: “This video proves @EssexPoliceUK transported left-wing protesters to The Bell Hotel in Epping. There is no way Chief Constable BJ Harrington can stay in position.”He showed footage of people in a police van and said the force had “bussed” them to protests outside a hotel in Epping, Essex, used to house asylum seekers last week.More than 1,000 people gathered outside The Bell Hotel in protests over two nights last week after an asylum seeker was arrested and charged on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town.
Essex Police released a statement hours after Mr Farage’s video, refuting his claims.”There are claims on social media that Essex Police officers ‘bussed’ protesters to the protest outside the Bell Hotel on Thursday 17 July,” the force said.
“This is categorically wrong.”Officers did provide a foot cordon around protesters on their way to the protest, where they and others were allowed to exercise their right to protest.
“Later some people who were clearly at risk of being hurt were also escorted by vehicle away from the area for their safety.”To reiterate, we categorically did not drive any counter protesters to the site on any occasion.”This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Jattvibe App. You can also follow @Jattvibe on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
