Dozens of protesters gathered outside a former RAF base in Suffolk on Sunday, opposing plans to house asylum seekers there. The demonstration follows anti-immigration disorder in nearby Thetford earlier in the week.
Background of protests
The Home Office announced in June that it was considering using Barnham Camp to accommodate asylum seekers. Since then, regular peaceful protests have been held at the site.
On Sunday, campaigners once again gathered outside the camp gates. They flew Union and St George's cross flags, and some held placards reading "Barnham says no. Protect our community". Reform UK Norfolk county councillor Scott Hussey gave a speech.
Unrest in Thetford
Tensions flared in Thetford, Norfolk, this week when people attempted to storm homes linked to asylum seekers. Police officers were assaulted during three nights of unrest.
Norfolk Police said officers were "subjected to significant aggression" in the market town on Wednesday. One officer was hit with a rock, one was bitten, and another was spat at.
The force said on Saturday that Friday night in Thetford had been "largely peaceful", although three people were arrested and a window was smashed.
Police response
Police were present at Sunday's protest, attending 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.
"Our policing response will continue to be kept under review, informed by the latest available information and ongoing assessments of any potential risks to public safety.
"Previous protests at Ministry of Defence (MoD) Barnham have been peaceful, and we would like to thank all those involved for expressing their views in a lawful and respectful manner. We are confident that this positive approach will continue."
Site details
The Home Office said the site was being assessed, but plans would be subject to planning permission and approvals. The camp would accommodate men aged between 18 and 65 who have applied for asylum.
No asylum seekers are yet housed at the site, which Suffolk Constabulary said is a training site for the Norfolk and Suffolk forces. Some vehicles, such as buses seen on site, are used for training purposes, and people on site include police, MoD employees, and security staff.
