Thetford anti-migrant clashes leave officers hurt, asylum seekers evacuated

London,UPDATED: Aug 7, 2026 18:10 IST

Police in eastern England said officers have faced serious violence during anti-migrant clashes in Thetford over the past three nights, with one officer bitten, another struck by a rock and a third spat at. The disorder targeted properties protesters believed were housing asylum seekers, and police said some residents had to flee.

Norfolk Constabulary said four people have been arrested since the protests turned violent on Tuesday night, and a 68-year-old man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a wooden bat. Extra policing powers remained in force until Friday as officers responded to continuing unrest.

The force said properties were damaged during the protests, with windows smashed and fences broken, as people tried to break into residential homes. According to Norfolk Police, several asylum seekers had to be escorted from homes because of the unrest, which continued into a third consecutive night on Thursday.

"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," Norfolk Police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean, who is overseeing the response, said: "We will always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest, and we recognise that people may hold strong views and feelings about issues. However, no matter how strongly those views are held, there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour." She added: "Our role is to keep people safe. We have a duty to protect everyone in our communities, maintain public order and prevent harm. We will not stand by and allow violence to take place, whether that is directed towards members of the public, local residents or police officers carrying out their duties."

Dean said: "Where criminal offences are committed, we will take robust action. Our focus remains on maintaining public safety and ensuring people can go about their lives without fear of violence or disorder." Police said arrests were made for offences including public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon, with some people still in custody and others released on bail. The extra measures gave officers the power to order anyone committing anti-social behaviour, or likely to do so, to leave the area.

Labour MP Terry Jermy described the events as deeply worrying. "The ugly scenes in Thetford over the past few days have been difficult to watch and are deeply concerning," he said. "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." He said many local residents from diverse backgrounds had contacted his office over fears for their safety.

Jermy said: "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." He has previously called on the Home Office to end "secrecy and confusion" around plans to house more asylum seekers in former military barracks, including at RAF Barnham near Thetford. In a statement on Thursday, he said he had made clear his "strong objections" to the use of MOD Barnham for asylum seekers and was concerned the latest incidents would weaken legitimate concerns about the proposal and divert police resources from other local priorities.

The Home Office also condemned the violence and warned those involved in criminal activity of the "full force of the law". "The right to protest is fundamental to our democracy and the concerns of communities are central to our immigration reforms," a spokesperson said. The government has said the number of asylum seekers in hotels has fallen by 35 per cent over the past year, with related costs also declining since Labour took office after the July 2024 general election, even as the wider issue of asylum accommodation continues to drive political debate.

The disturbances in Thetford have left homes damaged, asylum seekers moved out for safety and several people facing police action, as officers continue efforts to maintain public order and prevent further violence.

With PTI Inputs

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