An estate in the Norfolk market town of Thetford was thrown into chaos this week over the housing of asylum seekers, with three nights of unrest that saw windows smashed, police officers injured, and arrests made.
Violence Erupts Over Asylum Housing
Angry neighbours and hooded youths gathered outside properties suspected of housing asylum seekers, with some attempting to storm houses. Windows and doors were smashed, and police officers were injured during the clashes. By Friday, the estate appeared calm, but tensions remained high behind closed doors.
Residents expressed frustration at the government's handling of the small boats crisis and the lack of communication about the asylum housing plans.
Residents Speak Out
Joyce Gallagher, 52, said she heard shouting outside a house in St John’s Way late Tuesday but didn’t know why until later. The mother of four and supermarket worker said it didn’t seem fair that asylum seekers were housed while others wait years for council houses. She added: “But if they don’t cause me any trouble I won’t cause them any trouble.”
In Bracken Road, Loraine Dean, 73, was woken by police asking for doorbell camera footage after a crowd targeted the house next door. The retired hospital ward clerk said: “I’m angry because of the fact that the authorities didn’t tell us what they were doing. We only found out next door was a HMO by talking to contractors.”
Police Response and Arrests
Norfolk Police defended its response, which saw a female officer “seriously bitten” and a male officer hit by a rock. Both were treated in hospital and returned to duty. A woman in her 30s was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, common assault, and a public order offence.
Two arrests were made Thursday evening: a man in his 40s on suspicion of inciting racial hatred, possession of a class C drug, and a public order offence; another man in his 40s for being drunk and disorderly. A third man, in his 30s, was released on conditional bail.
Brian Thompson, 68, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and released on bail. Twelve dispersal orders were issued under Section 35 powers.
Official Statements
Thetford Town Council condemned the violence and defended the right to peaceful protest. A spokeswoman said: "Everyone living, working in, or visiting Thetford should feel safe."
Norfolk Police Chief Constable Paul Sanford vowed that those who tried to storm homes and attack officers would face the full force of the law, adding: "Across three consecutive nights, a group of people have crossed the line as to what is acceptable."
