Norfolk Police made arrests and responded to injuries among officers during two consecutive nights of disorder in Thetford, a market town where protests have targeted the housing of asylum seekers. The unrest, described as "ugly scenes" by the local Member of Parliament, involved physical aggression towards law enforcement and damage to properties.
During Wednesday's events, police stated that members of a group became physically aggressive. A male officer was taken to the hospital after being struck with a rock, and a female officer sustained a serious bite that broke the skin. A third officer was spat at. Two arrests were made on Wednesday in connection with offenses that occurred Tuesday night, including public order offenses, harassment, and possession of an offensive weapon. A man in his 40s remains in custody, and a 68-year-old man has been charged with possession of a wooden bat.
Assistant Chief Constable Dean of Norfolk Police condemned the violence, stating that while the right to peaceful protest is supported, the force has a duty to protect everyone in the community and maintain public order. "We will not stand by and allow violence to take place, whether that is directed towards members of the public, local residents or police officers carrying out their duties," Dean said.
The disorder is linked to plans for housing asylum seekers in former military barracks, including at RAF Barnham near Thetford. MP Elizabeth Truss has previously called on the Home Office to end "secrecy and confusion" surrounding these plans. In a statement, Truss condemned the unrest, describing "mob rule and vigilantism" as unacceptable. She noted reports of individuals breaking into homes, taking property, and smashing windows, which she called "utterly terrifying" for residents and neighboring communities.
Truss emphasized that regardless of individual views on immigration, all individuals housed in these properties are human beings who deserve the same rights as everyone else. The Home Office has been contacted for comment. The situation highlights growing tensions surrounding asylum seeker accommodation and the challenges faced by authorities in managing both the housing of asylum seekers and public response to these policies.