A list of items provided "for free" to asylum seekers in Thetford, Norfolk, has emerged amid three nights of unrest in the town. The list, seen by the Daily Express, includes a duvet, two pillows, hand towels, face towels, pillowcases, a dinner plate, cereal bowl, knife, fork, spoons, a frying pan, saucepan, tea towel and toilet roll.
Unrest in Thetford
On Tuesday night, a crowd gathered at a property in St John's Way, with police escorting people believed to be asylum seekers away for their own safety. Windows were smashed, fences broken, and attempts were made to break into the property, according to Norfolk police. The Express saw a back door off its hinges, footprints on a rear window, and smashed glass.
The unrest continued on Wednesday and Thursday, with at least two more arrests made, bringing the total to at least four. Norfolk Police Chief Constable Paul Sanford said some asylum seekers had to be escorted from homes as a result of the unrest.
Local Reactions
A 65-year-old neighbour who witnessed the trouble said the goods were intended for the asylum seekers. He said: "It's just not fair. Everyone here is angry. It isn't going to turn out good, that's all I know."
Tony, 75, said: "I'm very disappointed these illegal migrants were placed in a house here without any thought for the people that live here." He added that about 20 police officers were in his road on Tuesday night, and "No one asked us how we felt about illegal migrants moving in."
Michael, 82, condemned the violence, saying: "I'm not racist, but I don't want foreigners coming over I don't know about. I'm not far right or far left. This situation has got us down."
Arrests and Charges
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. Two men were arrested on Thursday, one on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and the other on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. A woman in her 30s was arrested on Friday in connection with an assault on a female officer.
Thetford Town Council said it supports people's rights to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but strongly condemned the violence and damage to property. A spokeswoman said: "The council firmly believes there is no place in our community for intimidation, criminal damage, or any unlawful behaviour. Everyone living, working in, or visiting Thetford should feel safe."
