An Ethiopian man has been charged with sexually assaulting a member of staff at a migrant hotel. Melaku Gebresembet, 23, is accused of molesting a worker at Highfield House Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers.

Gebresembet is believed to have been staying at the hotel in Southampton, Hants. The hotel, on Highfield Lane in Southampton, has been the subject of anti-asylum seeker protests by right-wing groups.

Gebresembet has been remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court this morning [Weds].

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "Officers investigating a sexual assault on a staff member at Highfield House Hotel have charged a man.

"The incident, which occurred on Friday (January 16), was reported on Monday morning (January 19).

"Following that report, officers immediately attended the hotel to take statements and identify and arrest the alleged suspect.

"We have now charged Melaku Gebresembet, 23, of Highfield Lane, Southampton, with sexual assault.

"He is an Ethiopian national, and has been remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court this morning (January 21)."