The legacy of Epping’s asylum seeker protests one year on

Alex Marshall, who runs his business opposite the hotel, says Epping has become “an openly racist place where people aren’t very kind”.

“My business is a wellness business where people come to relax, and it’s very difficult when you’ve got people shouting bigoted, racist comments over a Tannoy,” the 48-year-old says.

However, some protesters say they were inspired to act in order to protect vulnerable people from sex offenders like Kebatu.

Local Reform UK councillor Jaymey McIvor also once said there had been serious concerns for the safety of women and children in Epping.

Essex Police has described the demonstrations as mostly peaceful, with participants exercising their right to protest. Some locals who found them intimidating, however, found comfort in the community group Epping for Everyone.

“When the incident with the young girl and the young woman happened, obviously it was awful,” says the group’s founder, Kerry.

“What was really hard to stomach was the reaction to it.

“It was a movement started under the guise of protecting women and children, one that was incredibly violent and aggressive.”