Inside tinderbox town at boiling point over migrant-filled HMOs as furious locals vow ‘we won’t stop until they’re gone’

WITH windows smashed, protesters cuffed and a female police officer “seriously bitten” as tensions boil over, the tinderbox town of Thetford has become a flashpoint in the row over Britain’s migrant crisis. Last week, angry crowds began throwing stones and eggs at several houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) on residential streets, where asylum seekers had been housed – and locals say they won’t stop until they’re gone. Police officers make arrests in Thetford last week during riots over asylum seekers being moved into the area Credit: SWNS A protest sign outside nearby RAF Barnham where the government proposes housing further migrants Credit: Jason Bye Boarded up windows after homes were attacked during the riots Credit: Jason Bye Local resident Lorraine Dean said she doesn’t condone the violence but does not support moving asylum seekers onto her street Credit: Jason Bye Over three days, starting last Tuesday, ugly clashes broke out in the Norfolk town. Police say their brave officers were working “tirelessly” in challenging circumstances to counter anyone engaging in “violence, intimidation or criminality” – with three arrests made. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The Sun visited the area in the aftermath of the chaos, with mother-of-two Georgia, who took part in several of the protests, telling us: “This will not stop. In fact, it is going to get a lot worse. “We’re not some mindless mob, we are ordinary people who are angry and frustrated, and we’re going to keep protesting until these men are removed from our community.” The violence resulted in one female officer being bitten, a male officer being hit by a thrown stone and a journalist injured. Georgia, 26, admitted: “Things quickly got out of hand.” Another man driving a white van, who refused to give his name, said: “These protests aren’t going to stop. “The only time they will stop is when the authorities send all these people home. Most read in The Sun “Instead, they are giving houses that could go to our own young people to migrants who have no right to be in our country. “I’ve worked all my life since I was a teenager and paid my taxes. “But these refugees get everything for free. It makes me and many other people very angry and that’s why these protests aren’t going to end.” Retired hospital porter Robert Adams, 77, who was out walking his dog Barney during our visit on Saturday afternoon, said the protest started as peaceful with around 60 to 100 people involved. Police stand by as locals sit in the street as part of their protest Credit: SWNS Locals say they will continue to protest Credit: SWNS Robert Adams said the protests began as a peaceful demonstration Credit: Jason Bye A small protest group had gathered outside RAF Barnham yesterday Credit: Jason Bye He said: “One policewoman grabbed hold of me. I told her to let go or I’d have her done for assault. “Another woman in a mobility scooter got pepper-sprayed although I am told the police later apologised and said it had been an accident. “They need to put these people somewhere else, not near to a school. But really we don’t want them in Britain at all.” Hospital clerk Lorraine Dean, 73, looked out sadly at the broken door and boarded-up window of the recently-sold house next door to the neat semi she shares with her three German Shepherd dogs. The mob attacked it after learning that the new owner intended to turn it into a HMO for at least four male migrants, who would reportedly have their own bedroom but share a bathroom and kitchen. “While I don’t condone the violence and the damage, I can’t blame them for what they did,” she said. “Nobody told me about the plans for this house. This is a nice, friendly community.” She said any migrants moving in would sadly feel like “outcasts”. Bracken Road was among the streets targeted by rioters last week Credit: Jason Bye A St George’s cross flag and sign saying ‘Dover 106 miles’ outside RAF Barnham Credit: Jason Bye A Home Office contractor had leased private properties in the area on the open market – particularly HMOs – to accommodate small groups of asylum seekers. Meanwhile, a couple of miles from the town at RAF Barnham, where Britain’s nuclear bombs were stored during the 1950s and 60s, another protest was going on over plans to house up to 3,750 refugees there. On Saturday, three protesters had set up a camp outside the gates of the disused base, surrounded by various flags and posters with scrawled slogans like “Come on England, wake up – my eyes are open, are yours?” and “Stop giving handouts to illegal males”. Another sign among all the others was fastened to the base’s gates. Covered with hearts, it said: “Everyone is welcome here.” However, this was later ripped down and thrown into a bin. Judging by the number of motorists who pipped their horns and waved or gave thumbs-up signs as they drove past, the protesters certainly have plenty of support from local residents. Back in Thetford, though, outside one HMO, where four terrified men had to be rescued by police as a chanting crowd hurled rocks and eggs at the windows, a lone shocked woman spoke up for the refugees. She said: “When I had a little accident in my car, one of them was the first to offer to help me. They were always all very polite and kind, and caused no trouble to anybody. The Home Office is proposing to house asylum seekers at the former Army base Credit: Jason Bye There were three nights of protests last week over the migrants moving into several streets Credit: SWNS “Most of the trouble the other night seemed to be carried out by excited teenagers, with the adults just standing by watching and doing nothing to interfere. “The mark of a civilised society is surely how we treat people who are worse off than ourselves. “Judging by what happened the other night, though, we aren’t doing very well.” Police have arrested three people following the disturbances in Thetford, and have banned the wearing of face masks or balaclavas during protests. They issued four Section 35 notices during the evening. The force said there would be increased police patrols throughout the weekend. Residents have claimed police used unnecessarily heavy-handed tactics, including truncheons and pepper spray on the demonstrators. Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said on Saturday: “After three challenging nights, I am pleased to report that last night passed without any significant incidents of disorder. “I would like to thank local residents, businesses, community leaders and everyone who has played a part in helping maintain calm and order. “Throughout the past week, our officers have worked tirelessly to keep people safe, protect property and support those affected by the disruption. “While we welcome last night’s positive developments, we will not be complacent and will continue to monitor the situation closely. “We remain committed to facilitating lawful protest and community expression, while taking robust action against anyone who seeks to engage in violence, intimidation or criminality. “Our officers will continue to maintain a visible presence in Thetford over the coming days, providing reassurance and support to the local community.” A Norfolk Police spokesperson told The Sun: “We are aware of comments made on social media regarding police tactics used during the disorder in Thetford on Wednesday evening. “Officers were dealing with a fast-moving and volatile situation in which a crowd had moved towards a residential property and tensions were escalating. “Despite repeated instructions from officers, a number of individuals failed to comply and continued to move towards the location. “In these circumstances, officers used a range of tactics to prevent further disorder and maintain public safety. “PAVA was deployed proportionately and in line with officer training in response to the behaviour of an individual within the crowd. “We understand that concerns have been raised about a woman using a mobility scooter who was affected during the incident. “It was not the intention for any bystander to be impacted; however, where people remain within an area of active disorder and do not follow police instructions to move away, there is a risk they may be affected by tactics deployed to protect public safety. “Our priority throughout was to prevent violence, protect residents and keep people safe. “Officers were subjected to significant aggression during the disorder, with one officer struck by a rock, another sustaining a serious bite injury and a third being spat at. “We are satisfied that officers acted appropriately and proportionately in response to the circumstances they faced.” The Sun has approached the Home Office for comment.