Protesters clash over asylum seeker housing proposal
Five people were arrested in Thetford, Norfolk, after anti-immigration protests turned violent on Wednesday. The unrest followed the publication of a list online naming properties linked to landlords with government contracts to house asylum seekers.
The Home Office has proposed converting the former RAF Barnham air base, located just outside Thetford, into accommodation for single adult males seeking asylum in the UK. The site would cater to asylum seekers aged 18 to 65. The announcement fueled tensions in the town, where demonstrators broke fences and damaged properties.
Police report injuries and criminal charges
During the disorder, two officers were injured. A male officer was struck by a rock, and a female officer was 'seriously bitten' according to police. A third officer was spat at. Brian Thompson, 68, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon after police found him with a wooden bat. He is due to appear at Norwich magistrates court on 25 August.
On Thursday, two additional men in their 40s were arrested. One was charged with inciting racial hatred, and the other was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, and for failing to provide details to police. A man in his 30s who was arrested over Tuesday’s night’s unrest on suspicion of a public order offence has since been released and issued with a conditional caution, police said.
Norfolk Police defends peaceful protest but condemns violence
Norfolk Police assistant chief constable Julie Dean stated in a Thursday message that the force supports the right to peaceful protest. She acknowledged that many hold strong feelings about immigration issues but said no tolerance would be shown for violence or criminal behavior. Policing powers in Norfolk were stepped up in Thetford on Thursday evening. Norfolk police have imposed public safety measures including requiring people to remove a face covering if asked to do so. Police will also be permitted to direct anyone committing, or whom they suspect may commit, antisocial behaviour to leave the area. The measures are in place from 6pm on Thursday until 7am on Friday. Anyone who refuses to remove a face covering when asked to do so may be arrested, the force said.
Dean emphasized that violence toward the public, residents, or police officers would not be tolerated. The statement was issued as tensions remain high in the wake of the unrest.