(Scene of The Incident. Photo Credit: BBC News)
Two police officers have sustained injuries during a second consecutive night of disorder in a market town experiencing anti-immigration protests.
Police deployed substantial resources to the area on Wednesday following a large gathering that became physically aggressive, with one male officer struck by a rock and a female officer sustaining a serious bite wound that broke the skin.
The unrest followed earlier disorder during which properties sustained damage including broken windows and damaged fencing, and individuals attempted forced entry to a residential property.
A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of public order offences on Wednesday afternoon following the previous night’s disturbance and was subsequently released with a conditional caution.
Two further arrests were made in the early hours of Thursday following Wednesday’s unrest. A man aged in his 40s remains in custody, whilst a 68-year-old resident has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
Police leadership promised “robust action” in response to the disorder, stating that whilst the force supports the right to peaceful protest and acknowledges that individuals may hold strong views on issues, its role encompasses maintaining public safety, protecting all community members, maintaining public order and preventing harm.
Officials stated that violence directed toward members of the public, residents or officers performing their duties would not be tolerated.
A local elected official condemned the unrest, characterising scenes involving individuals being removed from properties and reports of forced entry, theft and property damage as deeply concerning.
He stated that individuals placed in these properties must be afforded the same rights expected in the country, and emphasised that mob behaviour and vigilantism remain unacceptable regardless of individual views on immigration policy.