Police Officers Assaulted Amid Thetford Disorder
Two officers hospitalised as anti-immigration protests escalate over three nights, leading to multiple arrests and charges.
Callum Smith
Police officers faced assault during widespread disorder in Thetford on Wednesday night.
Crowds, numbering up to 100 people, stormed three properties; demonstrators hurled eggs at residences, damaging one house.
Police escorted residents from properties for their safety due to the unrest; five men were escorted from a property on St John's Way on Tuesday night.
Paul Sanford stated, "We did have people protesting in Thetford area who were targeting addresses they believed were housing asylum seekers, and on a couple of occasions, that required us to escort the residents of those properties away for their safety."
He added, "I think it’s highly likely that the protesters would have got into the property, they would have created a significant problem, and really threatened the safety of the occupants, and indeed the protesters themselves."
I think it’s highly likely that the protesters would have got into the property, they would have created a significant problem, and really threatened the safety of the occupants, and indeed the protesters themselves.
Police powers increased on Thursday evening following escalating violence; two men in their 40s were arrested that day.
One man faced suspicion of inciting racial hatred; the other was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
Norfolk Police reported two arrests made on Wednesday night for offences including public order, harassment, and possession of an offensive weapon.
A man in his 30s, arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of a public order offence, has since been released with a conditional caution.
Brian Thompson, 68, of Thetford, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and released on bail.
Home Office minister Anna Turley condemned the violence and attacks on police; a Government spokesperson affirmed, "The right to protest is fundamental to our democracy and the concerns of communities are central to our immigration reforms."
The spokesperson continued, "However, violence and disorder are never acceptable, and we absolutely condemn the behaviour seen in Thetford, including attacks against frontline police officers."
Paul Sanford acknowledged the right to protest, stating, "We have people who are exercising their right to protest and, of course, we will support that."
He also noted, "There are people who live in Thetford who are concerned, understandably concerned, about some of the things that are happening in their town."
However, Sanford stressed, "Across three consecutive nights, a group of people have crossed the line as to what is acceptable. We have been appropriately policing those behaviours."
He confirmed, "I’ve had two police officers hospitalised as a result of the incident on Wednesday night."
Witnesses and people online criticised the police response; reports suggested a woman in a mobility scooter was pepper-sprayed on Wednesday.
Paul Sanford addressed these concerns, stating, "I’ve seen the reports of heavy handedness. We’ve been firm. We’ve been firm with people who have broken the law."
He concluded, "If people wander into an active protest and ignore calls from the police to stand back, then there is a high likelihood that they might get caught up in what occurs. But my officers have done a fantastic job."