Three nights of unrest in English town of Thetford over asylum seeker housing

The Norfolk market town of Thetford has experienced three consecutive nights of protests and disorder, during which crowds attempted to break into a residential property believed to be housing asylum seekers. Police reported smashed windows, broken fences and violence against officers — one was hit by a brick and a female colleague was seriously bitten. By Friday, six people had been arrested in connection with the unrest.

Asylum seekers were moved out of some properties on Thursday for their own safety. Local residents voiced concern about safety, noting the proximity of a targeted house to a school and nursery, as well as frustration that decisions were made without consulting the community or local officials.

Political reaction

Local MP Terry Jermy criticised the Home Office for failing to engage with the community and elected representatives and for lacking a strategy to counter misinformation. While supporting peaceful protest, he described recent events as outright criminality and vigilante behaviour, noting many demonstrators had travelled to Thetford from elsewhere.

Protesters targeted properties reportedly used by Serco under its Home Office contract. A Serco spokesperson said the company operates under Home Office direction. The Home Office said the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels had fallen by 35% over the past year.

Far-right activists, including Stephen Yaxley Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, shared footage from the protests online. A Reform UK representative on Norfolk county council said residents were frustrated at the town becoming a hub for asylum accommodation, adding that more properties were planned and that a nearby former RAF base could house around 3,750 migrants. Border security minister Anna Turley condemned the violence, saying protest was a right but attacks on emergency workers were unacceptable.