A female police officer who was bitten during disorder in Thetford, Norfolk, has returned to front-line duty after being treated in hospital. The officer, who required a tetanus jab and antibiotics, was back policing a protest last night, according to Norfolk Police Federation chairman Andy Symonds.
Officers assaulted amid 'volatile' scenes
On Wednesday, police officers faced "significant aggression" at Clover Way, with two officers taken to hospital after responding to a "fast-moving and volatile" situation. A colleague of the bitten officer was struck on the head with a rock. A woman in her 30s has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, common assault, and a public order offence in relation to the bitten officer.
Symonds condemned the assaults, expressing "admiration for the courage, professionalism and resilience shown by officers policing a challenging and volatile situation." He said: "Two officers required hospital treatment after being assaulted, including one officer who was struck in the head with a rock and a female officer who was bitten whilst protecting property and keeping people safe."
Officers back at work after hospital treatment
"Our thoughts are with the officers who were injured while protecting the people of Thetford," Symonds added. "I have spoken to both officers. They are recovering well. In fact, both are back at work. Both officers went to hospital. The officer who received the significant injury through being bitten had treatment in hospital and received a tetanus jab, it is swollen and is a risk of infection, so she has been prescribed antibiotics. She returned to policing the protest last night. I'm in awe of this level of commitment."
Symonds stressed there is "a clear distinction between legitimate protest and criminal behaviour," adding: "Anyone who chooses to assault police officers, damage property or incite disorder must expect to face the consequences of their actions."
Increased police powers and further incidents
Police powers were increased on Thursday evening following the disorder. On Tuesday night, windows were smashed, fences broken, and people attempted to break into a residential property. Protesters' attempts to enter homes were sparked by fears they were being used to house asylum seekers.
On Thursday, officers attended an address on Chester Way at around 4.45pm after reports of a group throwing eggs and stones at the address, causing damage including breaking the door. Residents were escorted out by officers for their safety. Officers were also called to an address on Anne Boleyn Close after a group was seen throwing rocks and smashing windows.
Arrests and charges
Two arrests were made on Thursday evening: a man in his 40s on suspicion of inciting racial hatred, possession of a class C drug, and a public order offence; and a second man, also in his 40s, on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. The first man remains in custody, while the second has been released with a conditional caution. A man in his 30s, previously arrested in connection with Tuesday's incidents, has been released on conditional bail. A total of 12 dispersal orders were issued under Section 35 powers.
Norfolk Police Chief Constable Paul Sanford said some asylum seekers had to be escorted from homes due to the unrest. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If people wander into an active protest and ignore calls from the police to stand back, then there is a high likelihood that they might get caught up in what occurs. But my officers have done a fantastic job. I've had two police officers hospitalised as a result of the incident on Wednesday night. The people who perpetrated those offences should expect the full force of the law, and I will be pushing for the strongest possible sanction."
Residents' views and further arrests
Residents of Chester Way said there had been a peaceful protest and a heavy police presence. One woman, who asked not to be named, said there were "just people standing about and lots and lots of police, too many, it's a waste of taxpayers' money." Another resident said: "It wasn't violent at all. They were just standing, it was a protest more than anything else." She added: "We've never had any problems from immigrants," but "people can protest, they've got the right to protest."
Norfolk Police said two arrests were made on Wednesday night for offences including public order, harassment, and possession of an offensive weapon. Brian Thompson, 68, of Fairfields, Thetford, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a wooden bat. He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court on August 25. A man in his 30s arrested on Wednesday has been released with a conditional caution.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for violence and thuggery to be directed to anyone in our society, whether that's people seeking sanctuary in Britain or indeed the police that are trying to maintain public order. This Government is taking action to deal with the legitimate concerns that people have around immigration, particularly the challenges around small boats. I can reassure people on two fronts – one is that we've seen small boat crossings fall by about 40% and over 46,000 small boat crossings deterred and prevented, so we're making real progress. The other point of reassurance is that we know there's a lot more to do and we're not remotely complacent."
Increased policing powers will remain in place in Thetford on Friday evening following three previous nights of disorder.
