Six Arrests, Police Officer Injured in Two Nights of Norfolk Anti-Immigration Protests

Six individuals were arrested and a police officer suffered injuries during two nights of anti-immigration disorder in Swaffham, Norfolk. The disturbances, which occurred on Friday and Saturday evenings, involved approximately 200 protestors and counter-protestors.

Norfolk Police confirmed that five men and one woman were detained on suspicion of public order offences. One arrest also included suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, after an officer sustained minor injuries.

Superintendent Wes Hornigold described the scenes as featuring "challenging behaviour" and confirmed a vehicle was damaged during the unrest.

Local MP George Freeman characterised the events as "ugly scenes" and stated that "a very small minority from outside" the town were responsible for inciting the trouble. He commended the police response.

The protests reportedly began near a local hotel housing asylum seekers, although this facility was not directly involved in the confrontations. Police maintained a presence in the area following the incidents.