Epping asylum hotel evacuated as all residents removed for 'safety concerns'

Residents staying at the Bell Hotel in Essex have been evacuated from the site, Epping Forest District Council has said.

The building was used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers.

Last summer, furious protests erupted outside The Bell Hotel after an Ethiopian migrant residing at the hotel sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.

A spokesman for Epping Forest District Council confirmed only security staff stayed on site while it sought further clarification from the Home Office.

Shabana Mahmood's department confirmed said residents were evacuated, citing fire safety concerns.

The Government spokesman added that it was a precautionary measure and reiterated that it took the safety of service users and staff seriously.

An Epping council spokesman said, although they had "ongoing engagement" with Whitehall, they were unaware "in advance that this was going to happen".

They added: "We are seeking clarification from the Home Office on the details of what has happened and what their next steps will be."

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