Police explain footage of asylum hotel protesters in Aldershot
Hampshire Police say a video being shared online was filmed in May, not July, as claims about recent protests spread following unrelated demonstrations elsewhere
Hampshire Police have confirmed that footage circulating online showing masked protesters near an asylum hotel in Aldershot was recorded in May, not on 16 July 2025 as some posts claim.
The video, which is being widely shared on social media, shows people protesting near the Potters International Hotel, a location known for previous demonstrations. Police said the protest took place months ago and that no disorder occurred.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a video being shared from a protest in Aldershot recently. This video is from May.”
The video is being shared at the same time as protests at other hotels believed to house asylum seekers.
Demonstrations have taken place outside the Bell Hotel in Epping after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault earlier this month, and gatherings were also reported in Diss, Norfolk, and outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, which is reportedly to be used to offer temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
The land used for the protest near the Potters International Hotel backs onto a busy A-road between Aldershot and Farnborough and is only accessible from one direction for those arriving from the town centre or nearby estate. Police said they engage with protest organisers and attendees to ensure people know where they can protest safely.
All protests in Aldershot involving Rushmoor People First and counter-protesters have ended without disorder this year, according to police.
However, previous demonstrations outside the Potters International Hotel in Aldershot, where asylum seekers have been housed, have included both peaceful gatherings and serious incidents of disorder.
On 31 July 2024, a protest involving around 200 people began calmly but escalated when a minority of attendees threw objects, shouted racial abuse, and damaged property. Hampshire Police intervened, and several arrests were made. A 29-year-old man was later jailed for violent disorder, and a 13-year-old girl received a youth referral order for damaging hotel property.
Police and local officials said the violence came from a small group, while most protesters remained peaceful.
Concerns have been raised online about protesters wearing face coverings, but police said powers to remove masks or disperse people can only be used in certain legal situations. “Where the legal criteria is met, we will make effective use of those powers. If not, we do not have authority to act,” the spokesperson said.