Footage from Epping captures two contrasting scenes unfolding near the Bell Hotel. In the first, hundreds of local residents — including elderly people, women, and children — gathered peacefully to express concern over the use of the hotel for migrant accommodation, citing alleged incidents involving women and minors.

Later, tensions escalated as police escorted approximately 50 masked individuals, described by witnesses as “Antifa” activists, into the area. Their arrival prompted a reaction from local youths, leading to a standoff and police intervention, including riot officers kettling the masked group down a side street.

The event has sparked local debate over the presence of outside activists and the characterization of the original protest as a community-driven demonstration.
[Credit: @GhorbaniiNiyak]