Key facts
- Two men were arrested following anti-migrant unrest in Thetford, Norfolk.
- Police officers were injured while intervening to protect asylum seekers.
- One female officer was seriously bitten, and a male officer was struck by a rock.
- Protesters attempted to break into homes and caused property damage.
- Measures to increase policing powers and public safety have been implemented in Thetford.
Two men have been arrested after police officers were injured during two nights of unrest in Thetford, Norfolk, stemming from protests against plans to house asylum seekers in former military barracks. The disorder involved over 100 people, with protesters attempting to break into homes and damaging property. A female officer was seriously bitten, and a male officer was struck by a rock while responding to incidents. Public safety measures and increased policing powers have been implemented in the town. Labour MP Terry Jermy condemned the violence and called for clarity from the Home Office regarding asylum seeker housing plans, while Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean stated that police would not tolerate criminal behavior.