Two men have been arrested after police officers were injured during two nights of unrest in Thetford, Norfolk. The incidents involved more than 100 people protesting against plans to house asylum seekers in former military barracks.
Police intervened to protect men believed to be asylum seekers from individuals attempting to break into their homes. One officer was struck by a rock, another was bitten, and a third was spat at; all three were taken to hospital.
One man in his 40s, arrested on suspicion of public order offences, remains in custody. A second man, Brian Thompson, 68, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, a wooden bat, and is due to appear at Norwich magistrates court on 25 August.
The unrest followed the online circulation of a list of properties used to house asylum seekers. Local Labour MP Terry Jermy condemned the violence, stating that constituents of mixed ethnicity were terrified of being misidentified as asylum seekers.
Norfolk police have increased policing powers in Thetford and imposed public safety measures, including the ability to direct individuals committing or suspected of committing antisocial behaviour to leave the area. These measures are in place from Thursday evening until Friday morning.