3 weeks ago
Four arrested after anti-migrant protests turn violent in Thetford
In a town called Thetford in England, some people were staying in houses because they had come to the country to find safety.
Some people in the town were angry about this, and an upset crowd gathered outside the houses, trying to break in and smashing windows and fences.
The police came to protect the people inside and stop the trouble.
Three police officers got hurt during the chaos — one policewoman was bitten very badly, another officer was hit by a rock, and a third was spat on.
Two of the hurt officers had to go to hospital.
The people living in the houses had to be moved to a safe place so they would not get hurt.
Four people were arrested, including a 68-year-old man who had a wooden bat.
The trouble started because many people are upset about plans to house more asylum seekers at an old military site nearby.
Police leaders say there is no place for violence, and everyone should share their concerns peacefully.
Anti-migrant protesters across three nights of disorder in Thetford, Norfolk, targeted residential properties believed to house asylum seekers, smashing windows and breaking fences.
Three police officers were injured — a female officer was seriously bitten, breaking the skin, a male officer was struck by a rock, and a third was spat at — with two taken to hospital.
Four people have been arrested; a 68-year-old man was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, a wooden bat (an earlier report said two arrests).
Several asylum seekers were forced to flee and had to be escorted from homes as the disorder entered its third consecutive night on Thursday.
The unrest follows tensions over Home Office plans to house about 1,000 to 1,250 asylum seekers at the former RAF Barnham site, which MP Terry Jermy opposes.
- Who
- Anti-migrant protesters, officers of Norfolk Constabulary, arrested individuals including a 68-year-old man charged with possession of an offensive weapon, and South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy.
- What
- Three nights of disorder in which protesters targeted residential properties believed to house asylum seekers, injuring three police officers, damaging property, and leading to four arrests.
- Where
- Thetford, Norfolk, England; the initial incident occurred on St John's Way.
- When
- Beginning on Tuesday night and continuing for three consecutive nights through Thursday, with police reporting on Friday.
- Why
- Tensions over Home Office plans to accommodate asylum seekers at the nearby former RAF Barnham site, amid a wider political divide over immigration.
Authorities and local officials
Anti-migrant protesters and immigration hardliners
Asylum accommodation at former RAF Barnham
Authorities and local officials
The Home Office and police support peaceful protest but condemn violence, saying there is no place for intimidation or criminal behaviour; MP Terry Jermy opposes the proposal but insists mob rule and vigilantism are unacceptable.
Anti-migrant protesters and immigration hardliners
Anti-migrant protesters oppose asylum seekers being housed in the local area, targeting properties believed to house them, attempting to break in, and damaging windows and fences over three nights.
National immigration and asylum policy
Authorities and local officials
The government says the population of asylum seekers in hotels has fallen by 35% in the last year and that community concerns are central to its immigration reforms.
Anti-migrant protesters and immigration hardliners
Reform UK demands stricter measures against immigration, while the Opposition Conservatives are pledging to ban foreign nationals from accessing the country's social housing sector.
Key facts
- Location
- Thetford, Norfolk, England
- Incident site
- Residential properties, including St John's Way
- Disorder
- Three consecutive nights from Tuesday (4) to Thursday (6)
- Officers injured
- 3; 2 hospitalised (serious bite breaking skin, struck by rock, spat at)
- Arrests
- 4 (two initially reported); offences include public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon
- Charge
- 68-year-old man charged with possession of an offensive weapon, a wooden bat
- Property damage
- Smashed windows and broken fences
- Background
- Home Office plans to house about 1,000-1,250 asylum seekers at former RAF Barnham site
Quotes
Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean
Norfolk police senior officer
“"Our role is to keep people safe. We have a duty to protect everyone in our communities, maintain public order and prevent harm. 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."”
rediff.com
“"We will always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest, and we recognise that people may hold strong views and feelings about issues. However, no matter how strongly those views are held, there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour."”
easterneye.biz
Sources
Related news
Protest becomes pogrom: Home Office must draw a clearer line
Piddington votes to leave UK in migrant barracks protest
Andy Burnham Calls for Fairer UK Asylum Seeker Distribution
Spain Urges Calm After Anti-Migrant Clashes in Ceuta
UK Booklet Tells Asylum Seekers How To Behave
