Arrests and injuries amid Thetford anti-immigration protests

Two police officers sustained injuries following a second consecutive night of unrest in a market town where anti-immigration protests have taken place. Norfolk Police reported deploying substantial resources to Thetford on Wednesday to ensure public safety after a large group gathered on Clover Way.

During the incident, the protesters became physically hostile towards the officers. A male officer was hit with a rock, and a female officer suffered a serious bite that broke the skin. Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean emphasized, “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.”

The disturbance came after a night of violence on Tuesday, involving damage to properties in St John’s Way, Bracken Road, and Elm Road. Windows were smashed, fences broken, and there were attempts to forcibly enter a residential property, according to the police. Expressing concern, Terry Jermy, the Labour MP representing South West Norfolk, described the “ugly scenes in Thetford over the past few days” as distressing.

ACC Dean assured that firm measures would be taken to address the disorder, stating: “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 urged the Home Office to clarify and be more transparent about plans to accommodate additional asylum seekers at former military sites, including RAF Barnham near Thetford. He condemned the recent unrest, saying: “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.”

He went on to highlight the importance of respecting individuals’ rights regardless of their immigration status: “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 approached for comment regarding the situation

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