Arrests Follow Disturbances Linked to Anti-immigration Protests in Thetford

The arrests follow disturbances linked to anti-immigration protests in the market town. Police made an arrest in Thetford on Thursday night as the market town braced for a third night of unrest. More arrests have been made over disorder linked to anti-immigration protests that saw crowds attempt to storm the homes of suspected asylum seekers and a police officer "seriously bitten".

Asylum seekers were removed from properties in Thetford yesterday for their own safety, Norfolk Police said. Two men in their 40s were arrested as protests in the market town continued for a third night, bringing the total number held to five. Protesters attempted to enter homes where they believed asylum seekers were living on Tuesday and Wednesday night, when officers were also "subjected to significant aggression".

Witnesses reported rocks and eggs being thrown and chants of "we want them out" during protests on Clover Way involving up to 200 people on Wednesday night. A male officer was struck with a rock and a female officer was seriously bitten, breaking the skin, the force said. Dozens of police officers were stationed in Thetford for a third night as anti-immigration protests continue.