London: A UK police force said on Friday that its officers had been tackling serious violence, including being bitten and spat at by protesters, after days of anti-migrant clashes in Thetford in eastern England.
Norfolk Constabulary said protesters targeted properties they believed were housing asylum seekers during three nights of disorder. Four people were arrested, and a 68-year-old man was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, namely a wooden bat.
Properties were damaged, including smashed windows and broken fences, as people attempted to break into residential buildings. Several asylum seekers were forced to flee their accommodation during the unrest.
Police said two officers were taken to hospital after a male officer was struck with a rock and a female officer was seriously bitten, while another officer was spat at.
Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean condemned the violence, saying there was "no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour" and that police would take robust action against offenders.
Extra policing powers remained in force until Friday, allowing officers to order anyone committing, or likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Norfolk Police said several asylum seekers had to be escorted from their homes because of the unrest.
Labour MP Terry Jermy described the scenes as "deeply concerning", saying people had been pulled from their homes and neighbouring residents had also feared for their safety. He reiterated his opposition to plans to house more asylum seekers at former military barracks near Thetford.
The Home Office condemned the violence and warned that anyone involved in criminal activity would face the "full force of the law".
The government said the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels had fallen by 35 per cent over the past year, while immigration continues to be a major political issue in the UK.
