Two individuals were apprehended, and law enforcement officers were rushed to a medical facility following an incident of disorderly conduct at an anti-immigration demonstration.
Authorities reported that a considerable number of resources were dispatched to Thetford, Norfolk, last night as a sizable crowd congregated on a residential street. Allegedly, some members of the group tried to enter a house, leading to confrontations with the police when they intervened.
During the altercation, a male officer was struck by a rock, a female officer was bitten, and another officer was spat at. Two arrests were made for various violations, including public disturbance, harassment, and possessing a dangerous weapon.
A man in his forties is currently in custody, while Brian Thompson, 68, from Thetford, faces charges related to possessing an offensive weapon, specifically a wooden bat. Thompson has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on August 25.
A Norfolk Police spokesperson stated that around 9:30 pm, officers were alerted to individuals attempting to gain entry into a residential property.
“As police intervened, some group members turned physically aggressive towards the officers – resulting in two officers being hospitalized after one was struck with a rock and another was seriously bitten, breaking the skin. A third officer was also subjected to spitting.”
Earlier, a large assembly had assembled outside the police station for the demonstration, described by the police as mostly peaceful. This came after disturbances on a previous evening, including broken windows, damaged fences, and an attempted forced entry into a residential property.
The unrest stemmed from rumors that the residences were being used to accommodate asylum seekers. Social media videos depicted police escorting five men from the houses while an irate crowd jeered and demanded their departure.
Local Labour MP Terry Jermy strongly condemned the turmoil, emphasizing the terror experienced by residents forcibly removed from their homes. Jermy expressed solidarity with concerned residents and emphasized the importance of upholding rights for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Regardless of personal opinions on immigration, Jermy stressed that mob rule and vigilantism are unacceptable.