Man Arrested Over Sharing of Asylum Seekers' Addresses in Thetford
Quick Look
Police in Norfolk arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of assisting an offender and inciting racial hatred, following an inquiry into the sharing of asylum seekers' addresses during anti-immigration protests in Thetford.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Properties in Thetford were targeted by crowds over three nights during disorder linked to anti-immigration protests.
Police have arrested a man as part of an inquiry into how the addresses of asylum seekers were shared during disorder linked to anti-immigration protests in a town, the BBC can reveal.
Properties in St John's Way, Bracken Road, Clover Way, Elm Road and Chester Way in Thetford, Norfolk, were recently targeted by crowds over three nights.
The man, in his 60s, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender and inciting racial hatred and has been released on bail until 14 October.
The houses are believed to have been used by Serco, a firm contracted to accommodate migrants, which said it was investigating allegations "relating to how address information has been made public".
The firm added it was working with the Home Office and Norfolk Police "to ensure that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place".
After his arrest, the man in his 60s was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Man to report back to police following bail expiration
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How was the address information originally obtained and leaked?
- Will further arrests be made in connection with the protests?
