A Syrian national residing at a hotel in Essex that has been the focus of recent anti-migrant demonstrations has been charged with sexual assault and multiple assault offences.
Essex Police said Mohammed Sharwarq, 32, who is living at The Bell Hotel in Epping, faces one count of sexual assault on a male, four counts of assault by beating, and two counts of common assault. The alleged offences took place between 25 July and 12 August.
Sharwarq was arrested on Tuesday and has been remanded in custody. Police confirmed they are not seeking any other suspects in relation to the case.
The Bell Hotel has been used by the Home Office to accommodate asylum seekers and has been the site of repeated protests in recent weeks, with campaigners voicing opposition to the use of local hotels for housing migrants.
Essex Police have urged anyone with relevant information about the alleged incidents to come forward.