Protests outside hotel caused by fake rumours online | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleArchie Mitchell, Nicole Wootton-Cane & David MaddoxWednesday 23 July 2025 22:46 BSTFlares thrown during protest outside Essex HotelProtesters gathered at an empty hotel in London's financial district following false online rumours that it was being used to house migrants from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.The Home Office confirmed the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf is earmarked for migrants at £81 per night, but clarified that asylum seekers are not being moved from the Bell Hotel, which has been the scene of violent protests.Far-right activist Tommy Robinson and Reform MP Lee Anderson were among those who spread misinformation, with Mr Anderson attending the protest and warning of an 'influx of illegal migrants'.Violent disorder at the Bell Hotel in Epping led to 10 arrests, injuries to a police officer, and attacks on security guards, sparked by an asylum seeker being charged with sexual assault.Charities criticised politicians for spreading misinformation and stoking division, while Angela Rayner warned of potential summer riots, a view criticised by Michael Gove.In fullFalse online rumours spark protests outside Canary Wharf hotel earmarked for migrantsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in