Two arrested after second night of Norfolk disorder leaves police officers injured

Police officer ‘seriously bitten’ in second night of disorder in Norfolk town over ‘asylum seeker housing’ Officer ‘bitten’ during anti-immigration protest in Thetford, Norfolk Police say - Bookmark Two men have been arrested after a police officer was bitten and another attacked with a rock during a second night of disorder in a Norfolk town which has seen anti-immigration protests. Norfolk Police said “significant police resources” were deployed to Thetford on Wednesday night to maintain public safety after a large group of people gathered on Clover Way . Local councillors said that asylum seekers had been moved into a house in the area by the Home Office, with residents protesting the sudden move. A spokesperson for the force said: “At about 9.30pm officers responded to reports that people in the group were trying to gain access to a residential property. “As police intervened, members of the group became physically aggressive towards officers – two were taken to hospital after a male officer was struck with a rock and a female officer was seriously bitten, breaking the skin. “A third officer was also spat at.” Prior to this, a large crowd had gathered outside the police station for an anti-immigration protest, which police said was largely peaceful. Norfolk Police said two arrests were made on Wednesday night for offences including public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon. One man aged in his 40s remains in custody. Brian Thompson, 68, of Fairfields, Thetford, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a wooden bat. He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on August 25. It is the second night of disorder in the town following incidents on Tuesday night where properties were damaged by having windows smashed and fences broken, and people attempted to break into a residential property. Norfolk county council is lead by Reform UK, and local councillor Scott Hussey said on Facebook that a “group of young male asylum seekers” had been moved into a three-bed terraced house by the Home Office. He said that the house was “on a family estate, right next to a primary school”, and that council leaders would be writing to Norfolk’s chief constable for an urgent update. Labour MP Terry Jermy, who represents South West Norfolk, condemned the “ugly scenes”, saying: “People have been pulled from their homes - a place of safety - and forcibly removed, with reports of members of the public breaking into homes, taking property and smashing windows. “This would have been utterly terrifying for the people in these properties and also very worrying for neighbouring residents. I utterly condemn this behaviour, and I know many Thetford residents share my disgust and concern.” Mr Jermy added that many residents had been in touch sharing their fears for their safety. He caveated: “I do not know the immigration status of the people placed in these properties or their legal status, but I know they are human beings that must be afforded the same rights that we all expect in this country”.