Female police officer 'seriously bitten' during anti-migrant disorder

Two people have been arrested after a second night of disorder in Thetford saw a female police officer "seriously bitten" and another hit with a rock.

Police have condemned the violence directed at officers who had responded at about 9.30pm last night to reports that a group of people on Clover Way in the Norfolk town were trying to gain access to a home.

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

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

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Prior to the disorder, a large crowd had gathered outside the police station for an anti-immigration protest, which was largely peaceful.

It is the second night of disorder in the town following incidents on Tuesday night where properties were damaged by having windows smashed and fences broken, and people attempted to break into a home, police said.

The Eastern Daily Press reported the unrest in the town followed fears the properties were being used to house asylum seekers.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean, who is overseeing the police response to the disorder, 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 added that while police would "always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest...there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour".

The two arrests follow that of a man aged in his 30s on Wednesday, over incidents on Tuesday, on suspicion of a public order offence - he has since been released and issued with a conditional caution.

MP for South West Norfolk, Terry Jermy, said in a statement 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.

"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."

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