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An Essex council has voted unanimously to urge the government to close a hotel housing asylum seekers, following a series of public demonstrations.

Over the last two weeks, Epping has been at the centre of some divisive protest, after a man was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl.

He has denied the charges and is awaiting trial.

Chris Whitbread is the Conservative leader of Epping Forest District Council, and says they weren't consulted by the government.

Picture credit: Carlos Jasso/Getty Images.

A ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Office spokesperson said the number of hotels being used for asylum seekers had decreased from more than 400 in summer 2023, to less than 210, adding "We'll continue to work closely with local police and community partners, in Epping and across the country, as we fix this broken system".