Female police officer 'seriously bitten' during anti-migrant violence in Thetford

Two people have been arrested after a female police officer was "seriously bitten" and another hit with a rock during a second night of violence in Norfolk.

Police condemned the attacks directed at officers, who responded about 9.30pm on Wednesday after a group of demonstrators tried to get in a house in Thetford.

Some people were dragged out and properties were vandalised, the local MP said.

Extra policing measures are in place from 6pm Thursday until 7am Friday.

They require people with a face covering to remove it if asked, or face arrest; and officers can order anyone committing anti-social behaviour - or likely to do so - to leave the area.

Wednesday's unrest in the town followed rumours the properties were housing asylum seekers.

One resident claimed a group of between 30 and 50 people were trying to get into the house, while others were shouting and stopping a workman from leaving.

Another incident saw a smaller group enter a property and force out the resident and steal their phone.

Two men were arrested for offences including public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon.

One man in his 40s is still in custody, while the second man, in his 60s, has since been charged.

A man in his 30s, arrested over a public order offence following Tuesday's incidents, has been released under caution.

Before Wednesday's disorder, a large crowd had gathered outside a police station for an anti-immigration protest, which was largely peaceful, police said.

It was the second night of disorder following similar incidents on Tuesday.

Norfolk Police said officers were called to reports of a group "attempting to get inside", smashing a window, and damaging a fence panel and a letter box.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean said: "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."

She said while police would "always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest...there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour".

'Disgust and concern'

MP for South West Norfolk, Terry Jermy, said on X: "The ugly scenes in Thetford over the past few days have been difficult to watch and deeply concerning.

"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."

He added: "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.

"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."

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The recently-elected Reform UK police and crime commissioner for Norfolk has condemned violence during anti-immigration protests in Thetford in recent days.

Colin Sutton, a former Metropolitan Police detective and Reform's first PCC, said there is "no place for the violence and damage" in the Norfolk town after two men were arrested.

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