FOOTAGE of the heart-in-mouth moment two people climbed onto the roof of a hotel before emergency services swarmed the scene has been released.

Police and firefighters were called to the Holiday Inn Express hotel at about 2.30pm on Wednesday following concerns for safety.

Following their arrival at the complex, officers were confronted with at least two people who were seen scaling the outside of the building.

After working to defuse the situation, the officers managed to convince the pair to return to a place of safety.

A video has now been published on social media showing the two people scaling the roof of the hotel as crowds look on - watch the clip below.

Disclaimer: The Gazette understands asylum-seekers are staying at the Holiday Inn Express but whether the people on the roof were asylum-seekers or not is currently unconfirmed, as is their reasoning.

 Jessica Emma, from Colchester, noticed the incident unfolding while driving to fill her car up at a nearby petrol station.

She said: “There were numerous police vehicles and fire engines at the Holliday Inn and about 20 people outside in groups - then armed police turned up.”

According to trusted sources, the hotel is being used to house more than 100 men who have fled to the UK from their homelands.

READ MORE: Hotel off the A12 being used to 'provide accommodation to asylum-seekers'

Some of the asylum-seekers are said to be suffering from mental health issues, but are understood to be receiving support.

When the Gazette attempted to make a booking on the Holiday Inn's website there was no availability until March 2023. 

A spokesman for IHG Hotels & Resorts, which runs the Holiday Inn Express, said it was "unable to comment."

Colchester Council was also contacted for comment but did not respond before going to print.

Gazette:

A spokesman for the Home Office, however, said: "Asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are provided with support whilst we consider their claim for international protection. 

“This includes free accommodation and utilities as well as a weekly allowance and additional provisions for families with a baby or toddler who are accommodated in contingency hotels.

"Asylum seekers in hotels are provided with three meals a day.”