Protests in Loughton after 'asylum seeker' bailed after he entered school grounds arrested again

ANTI-migrant protests have broken out in Loughton after police released on bail an asylum seeker who entered the grounds of a school, even though he was wanted for failing to appear at an earlier court hearing.

A "flash protest" was held outside Loughton Police station from 6pm yesterday, September 17 2025, after the events unfolded at Davenant Foundation School.

But, there was a further protest outside the police station today after the same man, said to be aged in his 30s, was arrested.

Locals claimed he was recently seen near a number of other schools, including Leverton Primary School, Waltham Abbey, which was today placed into lockdown while a helicopter search was carried out for the suspect.

But, Essex Police has been quick to quash what it called "online rumours" about the man trying to access schools.

The force said that yesterday the suspect had been "looking for food in bins" on the school grounds.

A force spokesman said: "We have been called to one incident of a suspect on a school field in Loughton (17 September), looking in the bins for food.

"No other incidents of this suspect attempting to access school property in Essex have been reported to us since then. Claims to the contrary are inaccurate.

"We are aware of concerns circulating on social media suggesting a man was acting suspiciously on the grounds of schools in Waltham Abbey on September 18.

"Some commentary is also suggesting a man had attempted to gain access to schools in the area.

"The above claims are untrue.

"No individuals have improperly accessed or attempted to access schools in Waltham Abbey on Thursday 18 September."

Residents will have noticed an increased policing presence in the area.

"This is because we have received reports of a man sleeping rough and interfering with parked vehicles in Waltham Abbey, and officers have been deployed to find this person.

"No offences, threats or issues relating to school property, staff or pupils have been reported.

"Officers have been in consistent contact with schools throughout Thursday 18 September to offer reassurance.

"It is important to repeat that no threat or suggestion of harm, either physical or otherwise, has been reported against any members of the public, or members of any school communities in Waltham Abbey in relation to this suspect.

"We do understand that communities have fears and concerns but we ask them to contact us and we can allay those.

"Turning to an incident involving the same suspect – who is a rough sleeper – accessing school grounds in Loughton on Wednesday 17 September.

"This has been subject to widespread and inaccurate comment, and further clarity is needed.

"This individual accessed an area of school playing field, where he was reported to be seen looking in the bins for food.

"That is the extent of his reported behaviour.

"Again, no threats and no suggestion of threats were reported, and the man immediately left when he was instructed to do so.

"Officers attended and arrested him because he had an outstanding matter outside of Essex and with another force, relating to failing to attend court over an alleged public order offence.

"We had no powers to remand him in custody for that particular allegation, and he was released on bail.

"On each occasion relating to this suspect, we have swiftly attended, liaised with every person concerned, and worked to investigate any matter reported to us within the parameters of the law.

"We all want the same things – safe communities for our children and for them to have a good education.

"Please help us by: reporting things to us that are worrying you; checking our channels for our trusted and verified information; please share our information which is correct and verified; please remain calm, we do all we can each day to keep you safe; and finally policing is our job – let us catch bad people, please don’t do anything that will put yourself at risk."

But, landlord and GB News commentator Adam Brooks posted on X that people have reported the man hanging around several local schools.

He said there had been reports of the suspect entering three school grounds and being sigted near to seven or eight others.

He said: "Questions need answering. Police statements that tried to down play truthful reporting of the facts.

"I’ve not (put)nout anything untrue I’ve stated exactly where he’s been seen near and what schools he’s been on site.

"Alderton school, Davenant school, West Hatch school. He’s been seen very close to Debden Park, Staples Rd, Oaklands, Roding Valley, Leverton school. This is not normal."