Police officers 'bitten and hit with rock' after 'mob' sparks chaos in Thetford anti-immigrant disorder

Police officers 'bitten and hit with rock' after 'mob' sparks chaos in Thetford anti-immigrant disorder One male police officer was struck with a rock, a female officer was bitten, and another was spat at after disorder at an anti-immigration protest in Thetford, Norfolk Two men have been arrested and police officers rushed to hospital after scenes of 'mob rule' at an anti-immigration protest. Police said significant resources were deployed to Thetford, Norfolk, last night after a large group gathered on a residential road. Some members of the group allegedly attempted to gain access to a house, and were said to have clashed with police when they intervened. One male officer was struck with a rock, a female officer was bitten, and another was spat at, police said. Two arrests were made for offences including public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon. One man aged in his 40s remains in custody. Brian Thompson, 68, from Thetford, was 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. A spokesperson for Norfolk Police 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.” A large crowd had earlier gathered outside the police station for the protest, which police said was largely peaceful. It follows earlier disorder on Tuesday night, when police said windows were smashed, fences broken, and a group tried to force their way into a residential property. The disorder has been sparked by speculation that the properties were being used to house asylum seekers. Video posted on social media appeared to show five men being escorted from the houses by police as an angry crowd booed and shouted "get out". The unrest has been condemned by local Labour MP Terry Jermy, who said in a statement: "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. "Following these incidents, many local residents from diverse backgrounds have been in touch with my office sharing fears for their safety. 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. "Whatever our own individual views on immigration – mob rule and vigilantism is not acceptable."