Two police officers were injured after a second night of disorder in Thetford, where anti-immigration protests have been taking place. Norfolk Police said the unrest on Wednesday required significant resources to maintain public safety after a large group gathered on Clover Way.
The force said members of the group became physically aggressive towards officers, with a male officer struck by a rock and a female officer seriously bitten, breaking the skin. Assistant chief constable Julie Dean said there had been a clear response to the violence.
“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.”
Police said the scenes followed unrest on Tuesday in St John's Way, Bracken Road and Elm Road, when properties were damaged, windows smashed and fences broken, and people attempted to break into a residential property.
Labour MP for South West Norfolk Terry Jermy said the events in the market town had been distressing.
“The ugly scenes in Thetford over the past few days have been difficult to watch and are deeply concerning”
On Wednesday, two arrests were also made for offences linked to Tuesday night, including public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon. One man in his 40s remains in custody, and a 68-year-old man from Thetford has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a wooden bat.
The unrest came after a large group stormed three properties, including one on Bracken Road, amid fears they were being used to house asylum seekers.
ACC Dean said police would take robust action over the disorder while continuing to support lawful demonstrations.
“We will always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest, and we recognise that people may hold strong views and feelings about issues.
“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.”
Jermy has previously called on the Home Office to end secrecy and confusion over plans to house more asylum seekers in former military barracks, including RAF Barnham near Thetford.
In a statement, he condemned the disorder and described the impact on those involved and nearby residents.
“People have been pulled from their homes – a place of safety – and forcibly removed, with reports of members of the public breaking into homes, taking property and smashing windows.
“This would have been utterly terrifying for the people in these properties and also very worrying for neighbouring residents.
“I do not know the immigration status of the people placed in these properties or their legal status, but I know they are human beings that must be afforded the same rights that we all expect in this country.
“Whatever our own individuals views on immigration — mob rule and vigilantism is not acceptable.”
The Home Office has been contacted by the BBC for comment.
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