Key facts
- Protests and disorder targeting properties believed to house asylum seekers occurred over three nights in Thetford.
- During the unrest, police officers were subjected to violence, including a brick being thrown and a serious bite.
- Windows were smashed, fences broken, and attempts were made to break into a residential property.
- Asylum seekers were removed from properties for their safety.
- Six arrests have been made in connection with the disorder.
- Far-right activists have been accused of disseminating footage from the protests.
- Local MP Terry Jermy criticized the Home Office for a lack of community engagement and strategy.
- Concerns have been raised about racism and the spread of disinformation fueling tensions.
Residents in the Norfolk market town of Thetford have expressed ongoing concern following several nights of protests and disorder targeting properties believed to be housing asylum seekers. The unrest, which saw crowds attempt to break into homes, windows smashed, and police officers assaulted, has led to six arrests.
Former councillor Jenny Hollis highlighted safety concerns, particularly the proximity of a school and nursery to one targeted house, and criticized the lack of community consultation. She noted that the introduction of unknown individuals into a small town could cause unease.
Amid chants of "We want them out," a male police officer was hit by a brick, and a female officer was seriously bitten. Asylum seekers were subsequently removed from the properties for their safety. The disorder has raised fears of racism and the exploitation of tensions by far-right activists, with footage from the protests being disseminated on social media.
Terry Jermy, the MP for South West Norfolk, criticized the Home Office for its lack of engagement with the community and elected officials, and for the spread of misinformation. He distinguished between peaceful protest and what he described as "outright criminality, mob rule and vigilante-style antics."
Serco, a company with a contract to house asylum seekers, stated it operates under the direction of the Home Office. The Home Office maintained that the use of large sites is part of its strategy to reduce reliance on hotels for asylum seekers.
Scott Hussey, a member of Reform-controlled Norfolk county council, voiced frustration, calling Thetford a "dumping ground for illegal immigrants" and suggesting more HMOs are planned for the area. Minister for border security and asylum Anna Turley condemned the violence, stating that while people have a right to protest, the disorder was "horrendous" and unacceptable.