Protesters took to the streets of Diss to challenge the decision of a hotel housing single male asylum seekers. Counter-demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism also turned up to oppose the frustrated local residents. The “peaceful” protest on Monday (July 21) evening took place outside of The Park Hotel in Diss, South Norfolk.
The property had previously been used by families seeking asylum, which included women and children. However, the Home Office told South Norfolk Council that the hotel would now only house lone men. Both the council and the local constabulary had previously raised concerns about the change, yet it still took effect on Monday after they were informed via a brief email from Whitehall last week. The angered locals and counter-protesters were seen arguing on either side of the street, local media reports, at about 5.30pm.
Police were called to the scene of the demonstration, blocking off the nearby Denmark Road as people gathered on the pavements.
The protest group chanted “stop the boats” and “send them home” while holding a large banner which read “enough is enough”.
Members of the group later crossed the road towards counter-protesters and, using a speaker system, asked questions such as why they felt migrants should be housed in the UK.
One local told the Eastern Daily Express: “There were groups of protesters on both sides of the road. When the Stand Up To Racism group moved on, the other group stayed put with megaphones, giving speeches outside of the hotel.
“There were a number of police there to stop any violence from breaking out.
“I did see one protester running after a member of Stand Up To Racism, but police broke them up to stop any violence from happening.”
The Diss asylum seeker hotel protest broke out just a day after demonstrators took the streets in Epping. On Sunday and Thursday, large groups of protesters gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, chanting “save our kids”.
The series of protests outside the hotel follow asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, being charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.