TEENAGE BOY ARRESTED OVER ASSAULT DURING THETFORD DISORDER

A teenage boy was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker during anti-immigration protests in Thetford, Norfolk. Norfolk Police stated that officers were subjected to significant aggression over three nights of unrest in the market town, with officers hit with a rock, bitten and spat at. The boy was taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning and released on bail until 4 October. A man in his 20s was also arrested on Sunday on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, possession of a class B drug and possession of a class A drug, and remained in custody at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre.

The disorder occurred when people attempted to storm homes linked to asylum seekers in Thetford last Wednesday. Norfolk Police confirmed that increased policing powers, including Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, remained in place in the town until 4pm on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said officers were reviewing footage from the previous disorder as part of ongoing efforts to identify those responsible for offences.

Marshall stated that police would explore all investigative opportunities available and that further arrests should be expected as the work progressed. He noted that peaceful scenes had been witnessed over the preceding two nights and that an increased visible policing presence would continue. Thomas Brown, 36, of Durham Way, Thetford, pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Monday to possession of cannabis, driving without insurance and failing to provide a breath test, receiving 10 penalty points and a £60 fine.