Scott Hussey, a Reform councillor for the nearby Brecks division on Norfolk County Council, said a “peaceful protest” had started at the town’s police station on Wednesday night before it moved to Clover Way.
“I counted up to the 30 officers lined up on one side of the street and on the other side maybe up to 100 protesters,” he said.
“There were some skirmishes, it was a spirited protest but I didn’t see any violence.”
He accused the Home Office of “opening a number of these HMOs across Thetford” and “trying to rush through the site for asylum seekers at Barnham”.
“We fully support their right to protest. I’d encourage people to protest peacefully and most of what I saw yesterday was peaceful.”
Jermy has previously called on the Home Office to end “secrecy and confusion” around plans to house more asylum seekers in former military barracks – including at RAF Barnham near Thetford.
In a statement he condemned the unrest, saying: “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 do not know the immigration status of the people placed in these properties or their legal status, but I know they are human beings that must be afforded the same rights that we all expect in this country.
“Whatever our own individuals views on immigration — mob rule and vigilantism is not acceptable.”
Norfolk Police said increased policing powers would be in place in Thetford on Thursday evening following the two previous nights of disorder, as “part of our plan to ensure public safety”.
It said officers could “direct anyone committing, or who may commit anti-social behaviour to leave the area” from 18:00, and anyone who refuses to remove a face covering could also be arrested.
The Home Office has been contacted by the BBC for comment.
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