Two people were arrested at a protest outside a former RAF base in Suffolk on Saturday, as tensions continue over plans to house asylum seekers at the site. The arrests were linked to disorder in nearby Thetford, Norfolk, where police officers were spat at and had rocks thrown at them during three nights of unrest.
Protest at Barnham Camp
Dozens of protesters gathered outside Barnham Camp, a former RAF base, waving St George's Cross flags. Some held placards reading “Barnham says no. Protect our community”. Reform UK county councillor Scott Hussey gave a speech at the demonstration.
The Home Office announced in June that it was considering using the site to accommodate asylum seekers. The camp would house men aged 18 to 65 who have applied for asylum. No asylum seekers are yet housed there, and the site is currently used as a training facility for Norfolk and Suffolk police.
Disorder in Thetford
In Thetford, Norfolk, this week, protesters attempted to storm homes linked to asylum seekers. Police said officers were “subjected to significant aggression” on Wednesday, with one officer hit by a rock, one bitten, and another spat at.
Norfolk Police arrested two people at the former RAF base on Saturday in connection with the disorder. Caspar Randles-Mills, 31, of Great Barton, Suffolk, was charged with a public order offence.
Police response and increased powers
Increased policing powers will remain in place in Thetford until 4pm on Tuesday, allowing officers to direct anyone committing, or who may commit, anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Police said Saturday night was “largely peaceful”, with no serious disorder reported for a second night running.
Police attended Sunday's protest to “support the lawful right to protest while helping to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the wider public”. A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said: “Policing protests requires us to balance the right of individuals to peacefully express their views with our responsibility to protect local communities, including protesters, residents and road-users.”
The Home Office said the site was being assessed, but plans would be subject to planning permission and approvals.
