Asylum seekers moved from Bell Hotel in Epping
The council says it's unaware of the Home Office's decision to vacate residents
Last updated 17 hours ago
Epping Forest District Council has reported that all residents have been removed from the Bell Hotel in Essex, a facility previously used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers.
Last year, the location became the focus of protests after hotel resident Hadush Kebatu sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.
Kebatu was found guilty of five offences – including sexual assault – and jailed, and was then mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford last October before he was detained and deported to Ethiopia.
The council indicated it was not informed in advance about the vacating of residents from the property.
They have since reached out to the Home Office for clarification on the situation and future plans.
A council spokesperson said, "We are aware that the Home Office has vacated all residents staying at The Bell Hotel, Epping and that only security staff remain onsite."
The spokesperson added that despite ongoing communication, the council was not forewarned about the residents being vacated.
Epping Forest District Council is actively seeking details from the Home Office regarding what has transpired and what their next steps will entail.