Asylum seekers living at a hotel focused on by protesters have been left too scared to go outside, a charity boss said. Rival groups have clashed outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, during several demonstrations since 13 July.

The protests began after an asylum seeker living at the hotel was arrested and charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, has denied the offences and remains in custody on remand.