‘This town has been RUINED’: Epping mother’s fury as migrant hotel protest sparks heavy police presence

Speaking to GB News whilst standing in the rain surrounded by hundreds of police officers, Thompson expressed deep frustration about the situation.

"Our safety has been taken away," she stated, emphasising the significance of the protests for the community.

The demonstrations have drawn substantial police presence, with Essex Police preparing for further protests including a planned march from the Bell Hotel to council offices where local politicians are scheduled to address the issues.

Thompson detailed specific incidents that have alarmed parents in the area. She revealed that local schools had sent warning letters about men approaching children on the high street, which she said had frightened pupils.

"If you've got five men standing on the street corner doing nothing and they look at girls go past in their gym clothes, it makes you feel very bloody uncomfortable," Thompson told GB News.

She also described how residents' daily activities have been disrupted. The area where protesters were corralled by police was previously her regular jogging route, she explained.

"We can't go there now because they sit there drinking all day," she said, highlighting how the presence of asylum seekers has altered residents' routines and sense of security in familiar spaces.

Thompson expressed strong criticism of the police deployment at the protests, comparing the security presence to what she'd witnessed at football matches.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Charlie Peters reports from Epping protest as police brace for unrest: 'Nobody from the far-right'
• My hometown was ground zero. They called us racists. Now the genie is out of bottle - Paul Embery
• Essex Police release migrant protester raid video as Epping hotel arrests hit 16

"I've been to QPR once but I've never seen so many police for essentially a bunch of mums and dads from Epping," she remarked.

She characterised the police response as disproportionate, suggesting officers were "oversteering on a bike" in their approach to managing the demonstrations. Thompson also alleged bias in how authorities handled different groups of protesters.

"They supported Antifa and didn't protect us at all," she claimed, expressing frustration at what she perceived as unequal treatment.

When questioned about what would make her stop protesting, Thompson remained resolute.

"Nothing. It's our children. Until they're safe," she stated, underlining her determination to continue demonstrating despite the heavy police presence.