The market town of Thetford, Norfolk, experienced a second consecutive night of unrest as a crowd of up to 100 people attempted to forcibly enter homes believed to be accommodating asylum seekers. The disturbances, which began on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday night, prompted increased police presence and heightened powers to maintain order.
On Tuesday, police intervened to evacuate five men from a property on St John’s Way amid reports of aggressive attempts by a group to break into several homes. Protesters reportedly smashed windows, damaged fences and doors, and chanted anti-immigration slogans such as “Get out!” and “Deport, deport.” A resident was allegedly forced out of their home during the unrest, with reports indicating their phone was stolen.
The disorder followed widespread rumours circulating on social media that asylum seekers were being housed in the area as part of government plans to use former military barracks, including nearby RAF Barnham, as accommodation sites. The base is earmarked to hold up to 1,250 male migrants, a decision that has sparked local tensions.
On Wednesday night, Norfolk Police deployed significant resources, including riot officers, to contain the unrest. Officers responded to reports around 9:30 p.m. of attempted break-ins on Clover Way. During the operation, some protesters turned physically aggressive, with one male officer struck by a rock and a female officer sustaining a serious bite injury that broke the skin. A third officer was also spat at. Police arrested two men on suspicion of offences including public order violations, harassment, and possession of an offensive weapon—a wooden bat. One of those arrested, Brian Thompson, 68, was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Norwich magistrates court later this month.
In response to the incidents, policing powers were extended to allow officers to require the removal of face coverings and to direct individuals away from areas suspected of antisocial behaviour to prevent further disorder.
Terry Jermy, Labour Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, condemned the violent incidents, describing the scenes as “ugly” and “deeply concerning.” He emphasized that regardless of individual views on immigration, “mob rule and vigilantism is not acceptable.” Mr. Jermy expressed concern that the violence was detracting from legitimate discussions about the Home Office’s proposals and diverting police resources.
The Home Office reiterated its commitment to working with local authorities on accommodation arrangements for asylum seekers, highlighting a significant reduction in the overall population housed in hotels and a decrease in associated costs since recent government reforms.
Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage voiced support for local residents’ apprehensions, stating that housing asylum seekers near RAF Barnham had left nearby communities feeling “very worried and very scared.”
Police have urged residents to exercise their freedoms peacefully and warned of robust action against anyone committing criminal offences during protests. Dispersal orders were issued under Section 35 powers to mitigate risks of further disturbances. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as both protests and community concerns persist.