Tens of thousands of protesters are set to descend on Essex this weekend in response to a rallying call by activist Tommy Robinson.
The “mass mobilisation” in Epping comes as police continue to struggle to contain ongoing demonstrations outside a hotel believed to house asylum seekers.
Robinson, 42, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, confirmed he will attend a protest rally on Sunday in response to rising tensions over the use of the Bell Hotel.
The prospect of a flood of protesters arriving en masse has petrified police who have struggled to contain chaos and disorder, arresting six and issuing a warning that “mindless thugs” will be sent to the cells.
Riot police are drawing up emergency plans ahead of the July 27 event which is expected to draw significant crowds and counter-protesters creating the potential for violent clashes.
The prospect of more chaos follows a week-long series of flashpoints during which police officers were injured, vehicles damaged, and multiple arrests made as people took to the streets as part of growing anti-migrant anger.
Robinson reposted a call to action on X, formerly Twitter, which promised “the world will hear the lion roar” on Sunday.
The Bell Hotel has been the site of epicentre of vocal protests since the arrest of 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu who was charged with sexual assault after an incident in which he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. It sparked widespread outrage and led to multiple nights of protest, some of which turned violent.
On Sunday night six people were arrested after police said another protest escalated “into mindless thuggery”.
More than 100 demonstrators assembled outside the hotel with some chanting “save our kids”.
Those detained included a 17-year-old male on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a police car and a 16-year-old male on suspicion of going equipped to cause criminal damage.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, of Essex Police, said: “Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which began peacefully, escalated into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle.
“For anyone who thinks we will tolerate their thuggery – think again.”
On Thursday eight police officers were injured after what started as a peaceful protest descended into chaos.
Independent MP Rupert Lowe said: “People in Epping, and elsewhere, have every right to hold serious concerns about unvetted foreign men being placed into their communities.
“The hotel in Epping should be closed, along with every other in the country.
“And the occupants should be sent back where they came from.”
Chief Supt Anslow said: “I would also like to set the record straight around misinformation that Essex Police is anything other than impartial.
“We don’t take sides, we arrest criminals and we have a duty to ensure no-one is hurt – plain and simple.
“I know the people of Essex know what we’re about so I know they won’t believe the rubbish circulating online that is designed to do nothing more than inflame tensions and trouble.
“I think I speak for all of us – including the people of Epping – when I say we’ve had enough of your criminality.
“But our cells, which have been filling up throughout the evening, are ready for you, so don’t be in any doubt that this is where you will be sleeping.”
