Two men have been arrested and police officers were taken to hospital after scenes of “mob rule” at an anti-immigration protest in Thetford, Norfolk. One male officer was struck with a rock, a female officer was bitten, and another was spat at during the unrest.
Incident Details
Police said significant resources were deployed to the town after a large group gathered on a residential road. Some members of the group allegedly attempted to gain access to a house and clashed with police when they intervened.
Two arrests were made for offences including public order, harassment, and possession of an offensive weapon. One man in his 40s remains in custody. Brian Thompson, 68, from Thetford, was 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.
Police Response
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “At about 9.30pm, officers responded to reports that people in the group were trying to gain access to a residential property.”
“As police intervened, members of the group became physically aggressive towards officers – two were taken to hospital after a male officer was struck with a rock and a female officer was seriously bitten, breaking the skin. A third officer was also spat at.”
Context and Reaction
A large crowd had earlier gathered outside the police station for the protest, which police said was largely peaceful. The disorder followed earlier unrest on Tuesday night, when windows were smashed, fences broken, and a group tried to force their way into a residential property.
The disorder was sparked by speculation that the properties were being used to house asylum seekers. Video posted on social media appeared to show five men being escorted from the houses by police as an angry crowd booed and shouted “get out”.
Local Labour MP Terry Jermy condemned the unrest, saying: “People have been pulled from their homes – a place of safety – and forcibly removed, with reports of members of the public breaking into homes, taking property and smashing windows.”
“This would have been utterly terrifying for the people in these properties and also very worrying for neighbouring residents. I utterly condemn this behaviour, and I know many Thetford residents share my disgust and concern.”
“Following these incidents, many local residents from diverse backgrounds have been in touch with my office sharing fears for their safety. I do not know the immigration status of the people placed in these properties or their legal status, but I know they are human beings that must be afforded the same rights that we all expect in this country.”
“Whatever our own individual views on immigration – mob rule and vigilantism is not acceptable.”
