A protest outside a suspected asylum hotel in Essex has descended into chaos, with police arresting six demonstrators. Bottles and smoke flares were hurled towards police vehicles during the demonstration outside the hotel in Epping.

Protestors gathered outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday night as demonstrations continued over its use to house asylum seekers.

Sunday’s demonstration was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.