Further arrests in Thetford followed a third consecutive night of disorder linked to anti-immigration protests, as police strengthened security and removed asylum seekers from several homes for their safety.
_x000D_Norfolk Police confirmed two additional arrests, bringing the total number of people detained to five. Officers said protesters targeted homes where they believed asylum seekers were living and assaulted police trying to restore order.
_x000D_ _x000D_Police Make More Arrests
_x000D_Police arrested two men in their 40s after violence continued in the Norfolk market town on Thursday night.
_x000D_Authorities had already arrested three people following earlier disturbances.
_x000D_One suspect remains in custody, while police charged a 68-year-old man with possessing an offensive weapon after officers recovered a wooden bat.
_x000D_Investigators said more arrests could follow as they continue reviewing video evidence.
_x000D_ _x000D_Officers Injured During Violent Clashes
_x000D_The protests turned violent as demonstrators threw rocks, eggs, and other objects at officers.
_x000D_Police confirmed that one male officer suffered injuries after a rock struck him.
_x000D_A female officer also sustained serious injuries after someone bit her, breaking the skin.
_x000D_Officers used additional public order powers to control the situation. They also banned face coverings and ordered suspected troublemakers to leave the area.
_x000D_ _x000D_Asylum Seekers Relocated for Safety
_x000D_Police moved asylum seekers from several homes in Thetford to protect them from the growing unrest.
_x000D_Crowds repeatedly attempted to force their way into properties where they believed asylum seekers were staying.
_x000D_Chief Constable Paul Sanford urged residents not to make assumptions about people living in the community.
_x000D_He stressed that every individual deserved protection regardless of their background.
_x000D_ _x000D_Local Concerns Fuel Demonstrations
_x000D_Many residents have expressed concerns about immigration and housing.
_x000D_Some believe asylum seekers receive accommodation while local families struggle to find affordable housing.
_x000D_Others worry about community safety and say they received little information about housing arrangements.
_x000D_The unrest also comes as the government considers converting the former RAF Barnham military base into accommodation for up to 3,750 asylum seekers.
_x000D_ _x000D_Political Leaders Condemn Violence
_x000D_South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy condemned the violence and warned that it had damaged Thetford’s reputation.
_x000D_He said the unrest had frightened many local families, particularly members of minority ethnic communities who feared becoming targets.
_x000D_Thetford Mayor Vic Peters also supported peaceful demonstrations but condemned attacks on police officers and public property.
_x000D_Reform councillor Scott Hussey blamed the Home Office for failing to communicate clearly with local residents but insisted protests should remain peaceful.
_x000D_ _x000D_Police Promise Firm Action
_x000D_Chief Constable Sanford said police would continue protecting the community for as long as necessary.
_x000D_He warned that anyone attacking officers or damaging property would face criminal charges.
_x000D_The Home Office also condemned the violence while acknowledging concerns raised by local residents about immigration.
_x000D_Officials said peaceful protest remains a democratic right, but criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
