A protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers was peaceful. Suddenly, it all changed

It was an unlikely backdrop for a protest - a large roundabout on the outskirts of Norwich.

But behind the trees flanking one of the carriageways was the reason hundreds had come - another hotel being used to house asylum seekers.

Just as towns and cities around the country have seen protests in recent days, most prominently in Epping in Essex where at least 18 arrests have been made, this time the focus was the Brook Hotel.

It started peacefully - bar the beeping of horns of passing cars and the chants from protesters on both sides.

But in a flash, it all changed.

Witnesses say one of the pro-immigration protesters had approached the much larger group wearing a balaclava and in seconds the pent-up fury spilt over as an angry crowd surged towards the police, shouting and swearing.

Some tried and failed to hold back the furious crowd urging peace as a small group of police and protesters rolled down a verge, while backup officers emerged from a side road.

But as quickly as it started, it was all over - an intense five minutes that seemed to take the wind out of their anger.

Trying to find anyone willing to speak was almost impossible: "We don't talk to the mainstream media," a common phrase.

But David Beane, from nearby Costessey, a veteran and the father of an eight-year-old boy, had clear views he wanted to share.

"I know homeless people from the forces. I got out of the force, no dental treatment, I can't get a doctors. They get everything," he said.

"I'm all up for immigrants coming, but sign the paperwork. You show who you are, you come in, you abide by our laws."

It was David's first time at a protest. Another local man attending was Glen.

"They're in there, free rent, free everything," he said.

Referring to the hotel, he added: "Do you know they are even getting meal tickets to go in that pub with, and they supply meals in there?"

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There have been protests in nearby Diss too this week.

The Park Hotel in the town has now informed the Home Office that it will close altogether if it is ever made to house single men rather than families at the location.

Back in Norwich, torrential rain was enough the bring an end to the day's event. Only a few stragglers remained two-and-a-half hours after it had all begun.

But it seems likely they will be back. There seems to be no end in sight to the current spate of disruption.

(c) Sky News 2025: A protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers was peaceful. Suddenly, it all