Hundreds of protestors have turned out to voice their opposition to a centre for asylum seekers.
A march was held in Braintree to protest about the nearby centre at RAF Wethersfield.
Around 800 to 1,000 protestors marched through the town centre, joined by right-wing activist and campaigner Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
They carried flags and a banner saying “Essex Voices Matter” and “We will not be silenced”.
The Braintree and Wethersfield Protest group staged the demonstration Credit: ITV News Anglia
RAF Wethersfield is one of a number of mass accommodation sites being used alongside hotels to house asylum seekers.
The former MoD site in Essex began housing asylum seekers in July 2023.
Extra police were on duty in the town but so far the march has passed off peacefully.
Tommy Robinson is amongst the crowds in Braintree Credit: ITV News Anglia
The Essex Coalition Against Racism said Mr Robinson’s aim was to “whip up hatred and division in the local community”.
In a statement, they said: “Under the guise of concerns about safety for women and children, they peddle their agenda of scapegoating people from other countries and other cultures.”
Braintree District Council cancelled the weekly town centre market because of the demonstration.
A spokesperson said they were sorry but wanted to keep everyone safe.
They added: “There is an anticipated protest in the town and we are not clear on the numbers expected, making it difficult to manage the safety issues arising from this for all users of the town centre.
“Our traders have been informed of this decision and we apologise for any inconvenience.”
After the rally, speakers addressed the crowds who had gathered. Credit: ITV News Anglia
In a statement, the Home Office said: “This government will close every asylum hotel and work is well underway, with more suitable sites, such as military bases, being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.
“The Wethersfield site provides functional accommodation for asylum seekers and is designed to be as self-sufficient.”
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