Anti-Immigration Riots in Thetford Leave Two Officers Hospitalized

Anti-immigration disorder occurred over three consecutive nights in Thetford, Norfolk, as crowds targeted residential properties believed to be housing asylum seekers in houses of multiple occupancy. Protesters smashed windows, broke fences, and attempted to break into homes, forcing police to evacuate asylum seekers for their safety.

Violence peaked on Wednesday, resulting in the hospitalization of two police officers; one was hit by a brick and another was seriously bitten. Norfolk Constabulary has made six arrests in connection with the unrest, with charges including inciting racial hatred and assaulting emergency workers.

The unrest is linked to broader tensions over the Home Office's use of residential housing and plans to house 3,750 migrants at the former RAF Barnham base. Serco, the contractor managing the housing, stated it operates under Home Office direction. Far-right activists, including Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, disseminated footage of the events via social media.

Minister Anna Turley and MP Terry Jermy condemned the violence. Jermy specifically criticized the Home Office for a lack of community engagement and a failure to address misinformation regarding the housing strategy.