Two men have been arrested after two police officers were "bitten and spat at" when an anti-immigration crowd tried to break into an asylum-linked property.
Norfolk Police said “significant police resources” were deployed to Thetford last night to maintain public safety after a large group of people gathered on Clover Way.
A spokesman for the force said: “At about 9.30pm officers responded to reports that people in the group were trying to gain access to a residential property.
“As police intervened, members of the group became physically aggressive towards officers – two were taken to hospital after a male officer was struck with a rock and a female officer was seriously bitten, breaking the skin.
Police said two arrests were made for offences including public order, harassment and possession of an offensive weapon.
Brian Thompson, 68, of Fairfields, Thetford, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
The force said the incidents followed a “largely peaceful” anti-immigration protest outside Thetford Police Station earlier on Wednesday evening.
Norfolk Police assistant chief constable Julie Dean has condemned the violence in Thetford.
In a statement, she said: “We will always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest, and we recognise that people may hold strong views and feelings about issues.
"However, no matter how strongly those views are held, there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour."
“Our role is to keep people safe. We have a duty to protect everyone in our communities, maintain public order and prevent harm.
"We will not stand by and allow violence to take place, whether that is directed towards members of the public, local residents or police officers carrying out their duties.
“Where criminal offences are committed, we will take robust action.
"Our focus remains on maintaining public safety and ensuring people can go about their lives without fear of violence or disorder.”
The Eastern Daily Press reported that the unrest in the town followed fears the properties were being used to house asylum seekers.
Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk, said the “ugly scenes in Thetford over the past few days have been difficult to watch and are deeply concerning”.
In a statement, the Labour politician added: “People have been pulled from their homes – a place of safety – and forcibly removed, with reports of members of the public breaking into homes, taking property and smashing windows.
“This would have been utterly terrifying for the people in these properties and also very worrying for neighbouring residents.
“I utterly condemn this behaviour, and I know many Thetford residents share my disgust and concern."
