Bishop of Thetford condemns 'indefensible' disorder

The Bishop of Thetford has called for unity and condemned disorder during anti-immigration protests in the Norfolk town.

Thetford saw several nights of unrest last week, which led to arrests after crowds attempted to storm the homes of suspected asylum seekers and a police officer was "seriously bitten".

Speaking before he led a service of unity at St Cuthbert's Church in the town, the Right Reverend Ian Bishop said he was "saddened to see the scenes of unrest and intimidation on the streets of Thetford."

He added: "What we have witnessed is indefensible and deeply distressing."

In his statement, Bishop said the challenges facing communities were "complex" and that different voices should be heard but added there was "no place for this sort of action".

"Thetford has a proud history of welcoming strangers and the diversity of the town today reflects a long story of integration," he said.

"My prayer is that this can be re-discovered and celebrated to build a strong society of support and cohesion.

"That is what our churches are doing as they live out Jesus's call to love our neighbour."

There was trouble in Thetford over successive nights, beginning on Tuesday, with police making a number of arrests at several locations across the town.

The force said officers were "subjected to significant aggression" during protests on Wednesday, when one was hit with a rock, one was bitten and another spat at.

However, Norfolk Police said that Friday and Saturday nights had been "largely peaceful" with no serious disorder reported.

Increased policing powers are in place in the town until Tuesday afternoon, allowing officers to direct those who may commit anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

However, the force said a 36-year-old man had been charged after being stopped on an e-scooter on suspicion of cannabis possession, driving without insurance and failing to provide a breath test.

A man and a woman were also arrested at nearby RAF Barnham in connection with disorder in Thetford earlier in the week.

The man was later charged and bailed to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court in October.

Dozens of people gathered at the former RAF base, just across the county border in Suffolk, on Sunday afternoon for the latest in a series of protests against Home Office proposals, announced in June, to use the camp to accommodate asylum seekers.

Police attended the demonstration, saying they were there to "support the lawful right to protest" while keeping those involved and the wider public safe.

The Home Office said the site was being assessed but plans would be subject to planning permission and approvals.

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