Thetford unrest enters third night as police make more arrests

Three nights of anti-immigration unrest have left Thetford facing a major police operation, with further arrests made after protesters targeted properties believed to house asylum seekers and officers were attacked.

Norfolk Police said two more men in their 40s were arrested on Thursday evening, taking the total number of arrests connected with the disorder to five.

One was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence relating to incidents on Wednesday, while the other was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and failing to provide his details when requested by police.

The arrests came as dozens of officers were deployed across the Norfolk market town for a third consecutive night.

Police attacked as disorder escalates

The most serious confrontation came on Wednesday, when police said a crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the Clover Way area.

Eggs and rocks were thrown at houses and protesters reportedly shouted, “We want them out.”

Police said members of the crowd became physically aggressive, with one male officer struck by a rock and a female officer seriously bitten, breaking the skin.

Two officers were injured during the unrest.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean said police would take “robust action” against violence while continuing to support the right to peaceful protest.

The Home Office also condemned the disorder, saying that while the right to protest was fundamental to democracy, violence and attacks on police officers were unacceptable.

Homes targeted in asylum-seeker claims

The most disturbing element of the unrest has been the targeting of residential properties.

Crowds attempted to force their way into homes on Tuesday and Wednesday after protesters apparently identified them as properties being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

Windows were smashed, fences damaged and people attempted to break into at least one property.

Norfolk Chief Constable Paul Sanford confirmed that some of the properties were in fact housing asylum seekers, but stressed that protesters had been targeting addresses they believed were being used for that purpose.

On several occasions, police had to escort residents from properties for their own safety.

Officers also removed people from inside a property on Thursday evening.

The incidents have raised fears that innocent residents could become targets simply because of their appearance or because protesters believe they are asylum seekers.

Town left “terrified”

South West Norfolk Labour MP Terry Jermy said the violence had left many residents frightened and warned that Thetford was being dragged backwards after years of efforts to improve its reputation.

He said residents were “terrified” and that minority ethnic residents had contacted him because they feared being wrongly identified as asylum seekers.

Jermy condemned what he described as “mob rule and vigilantism”, insisting that whatever people's views on immigration, residents must be protected from violence and intimidation.

The unrest comes amid continuing controversy over plans to accommodate asylum seekers in the area, including proposals involving the former RAF Barnham site.

Reform councillor Scott Hussey said concerns about immigration accommodation were legitimate and that he supported peaceful protest. He accused the Home Office of creating confusion over asylum accommodation and argued that most of what he witnessed had initially been peaceful.

But the situation has clearly moved beyond peaceful demonstration.

Police powers strengthened

Norfolk Police introduced additional public-safety powers on Thursday evening, including the ability to require people to remove face coverings and to order individuals suspected of committing, or likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

The measures remain in force until Friday morning.

Police have also rejected accusations that officers used excessive force after witnesses claimed a woman on a mobility scooter was affected by PAVA spray.

The force said the spray had been deployed proportionately during active disorder and warned that anyone remaining in an area despite police instructions could be affected by tactics being used to protect public safety.

With further arrests now made, Thetford enters the aftermath of three nights of unrest with the underlying immigration dispute unresolved — but with police making clear that attacks on homes, residents or officers will be treated as criminal acts rather than legitimate protest.

SOURCE

Not really looking like mass uncontrolled military age male muslim immigration is Britains greatest strength atm? Another narrative dying a painful and very public death.

Unvetted migrants being shipped into HMO's' on residential estates' in the house next door to a terrified to go out female pensioner, the anger is boiling and the police have taken the usual side The people have had enough🤔

No doubt a bunch of wife beaters up to their other pastime, rioting and attacking police officers.

Should all occupants of houses/apartments have the right to use lethal force against people trying to break in?

Or is that a ‘reserved right’?

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

No doubt a bunch of wife beaters up to their other pastime, rioting and attacking police officers.

Should all occupants of houses/apartments have the right to use lethal force against people trying to break in?

Or is that a ‘reserved right’?

You really are a piece of work.

On the other hand,if this is a wind-up,congrats,you got me.

2 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Unvetted migrants being shipped into HMO's' on residential estates' in the house next door to a terrified to go out female pensioner, the anger is boiling and the police have taken the usual side The people have had enough🤔

Just as long as this "terrified pensioner" voted green/labor/libdem/conservative then there shouldnt be a problem. Literally getting exactly what they voted for.

But yes, really tragic if they are patriots that would vote Restore. They dont deserve their idyllic neighborhoods turning into a Mogadishu slum.

1 hour ago, Keeenok Powell said:

You really are a piece of work.

On the other hand,if this is a wind-up,congrats,you got me.

Here’s a fact.

Rightwing race riots have, on multiple occasions, turned out to be full of wife beaters.

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Here’s a fact.

Rightwing race riots have, on multiple occasions, turned out to be full of wife beaters.

Please prove that so called "fact" with reliable sources!

23 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Here’s a fact.

Rightwing race riots have, on multiple occasions, turned out to be full of wife beaters.

And if they're not drunk, they do have a large can of beer in their hands.

Known to shout at police dogs too.

The Thetford thickness is afoot.

1 hour ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Just as long as this "terrified pensioner" voted green/labor/libdem/conservative then there shouldnt be a problem. Literally getting exactly what they voted for.

But yes, really tragic if they are patriots that would vote Restore. They dont deserve their idyllic neighborhoods turning into a Mogadishu slum.

Vote Restore?... Too funny.

Thetford idyllic? You're hilarious.

Edited August 7Aug 7 by NanLaew

27 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Here’s a fact.

Rightwing race riots have, on multiple occasions, turned out to be full of wife beaters.

Hahahaha,ok.

4 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Unvetted migrants being shipped into HMO's' on residential estates' in the house next door to a terrified to go out female pensioner, the anger is boiling and the police have taken the usual side The people have had enough🤔

With five arrests reported so far, looks like the pissheads need to work on #4.

44 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Please prove that so called "fact" with reliable sources!

Widely reported in the news, but here you go anyway:

https://novaramedia.com/2026/05/27/one-in-five-arrested-over-2024-race-riots-accused-of-domestic-violence/

https://www.thedetail.tv/articles/almost-half-ni-race-rioters-reported-for-domestic-abuse

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/24/most-people-arrested-during-henry-nowak-protests-had-been-reported-for-domestic-abuse

26 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

And if they're not drunk, they do have a large can of beer in their hands.

Known to shout at police dogs too.

The Thetford thickness is afoot.

Stella Artois per chance?

46 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Please prove that so called "fact" with reliable sources!

Google is your friend.

"While it is inaccurate to generalize all right-wing protesters, extensive data and police records reveal that a significant and disproportionate number of individuals arrested during recent UK riots have past convictions or reports for domestic violence and assault."

3 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Google is your friend.

"While it is inaccurate to generalize all right-wing protesters, extensive data and police records reveal that a significant and disproportionate number of individuals arrested during recent UK riots have past convictions or reports for domestic violence and assault."

I’ve met Phil, smashing bloke.

Odd really because he’s from the Isle of Axholme, folks there about tend to be a bit too Chapel.

55 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Here’s a fact.

Rightwing race riots have, on multiple occasions, turned out to be full of wife beaters.

3 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Google is your friend.

"While it is inaccurate to generalize all right-wing protesters, extensive data and police records reveal that a significant and disproportionate number of individuals arrested during recent UK riots have past convictions or reports for domestic violence and assault."

A "disproportionate number of individuals" does not equate to "turned out to be full of wife beaters."!

I suggest the two of you come up with some facts and not throw away slogans!

Just now, scottiejohn said:

A "disproportionate number of individuals" does not equate to "turned out to be full of wife beaters."!

I suggest the two of you come up with some facts and not throw away slogans!

How many wife beaters do you think is an acceptable number within a race riot?

12 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

A "disproportionate number of individuals" does not equate to "turned out to be full of wife beaters."!

I suggest the two of you come up with some facts and not throw away slogans!

What part of significant and disproportionate are you struggling to comprehend here?

Never mind, if the "right-wing extremists" are allowed to pull facts out of their arses, so can us "lefties".

Edited August 7Aug 7 by NanLaew

What is it about race riots that attracts wife beaters to join in?

It’s surely not any claim to ‘protecting our women’.

5 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

If the "right-wing extremists" are allowed to make stuff up, so can us "lefties".

Right now Higgot is loving everything stupid you say are you a couple? 🤔

2 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Right now Higgot is loving everything stupid you say aren't you a couple? 🤔

Are you interested? Or are you just being as thick as Thetford?

Edited August 7Aug 7 by NanLaew

Just now, sammieuk1 said:

Right now Higgot is loving everything stupid you say are you a couple? 🤔

The way you follow me about I’m beginning to worry the motivation of your question to Nanlaew might be to determine if I’m available.

I’m not and your attentions are not appreciated.

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The way you follow me about I’m beginning to worry the motivation of your question to Nanlaew might be to determine if I’m available.

I’m not and your attentions are not appreciated.

Don't be so coy. @sammieuk1 is definitely interested. It's quite common among testosterone-deficient, angry white men.

Edited August 7Aug 7 by NanLaew

5 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Unvetted migrants being shipped into HMO's' on residential estates' in the house next door to a terrified to go out female pensioner, the anger is boiling and the police have taken the usual side The people have had enough🤔

LOL more like, likes to drink in the pub, get bladdered using their governemnt hand outs, abuse you partner, then join a march starting outside a pub shout abuse at any one you see throw a few rocks, then off for a curry and more beer at the local Indian restuarant, amazing how all these unemployed guys have the money to spend their time in the bars, but how many can still find their way to the bars of Pattaya

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

How many wife beaters do you think is an acceptable number within a race riot?

What a stupid statement to avoid accepting the fact that yet again that you made an inaccurate post!

54 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Never mind, if the "right-wing extremists" are allowed to pull facts out of their arses, so can us "lefties".

You have just proved that with your post!

7 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

You have just proved that with your post!

Semantics aside, are you from Thetford by any chance?

Edited August 7Aug 7 by NanLaew

10 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

What a stupid statement to avoid accepting the fact that yet again that you made an inaccurate post!

It’s not a stupid question at all.

There’s clearly something about race riots that attracts wife beaters, or just as likely, something about wife beaters that draws them to race riots.

Edited August 7Aug 7 by Chomper Higgot

Excellent, the domestic abusers are out again protecting "are wimmin". Good-o!

40% of 2024 rioters had previously been reported for domestic abuse. And since then between 21% and 50% have been reported for domestic abuse AGAIN.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/26/two-in-five-arrested-for-last-summers-uk-riots-had-been-reported-for-domestic-abuse

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/26/one-in-five-people-arrested-over-2024-riots-have-since-been-reported-for-domestic-abuse

And before anyone criticises the source, the info is directly from Freedom of Information requests.

Knuckle dragging racist wife beaters at it again.