Norfolk police chief backs protests against far-right riots

 Sarah Taylor, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner - who has denied any accusations of two-tier policing - said that counter-demonstrations against the far right were "really welcome".

She was speaking after more than 100 people gathered outside the Brook Hotel, in Bowthorpe, in solidarity with asylum seekers who are housed there.

Riot vans at the scene of protests in Norwich (Image: Bruno Brown)

The hotel was said to be on a list of more than 100 locations around the UK which were apparently going to be targeted by far right rallies on Wednesday night.

The rallies never materialised but many of the sites became the focus of counter protests, with more planned - including in Norwich - at the weekend.

Among those attending the Bowthorpe one on Wednesday was Clive Lewis, who promoted the event in advance and said he would attend.

READ MORE: Reform MP's 'two-tier policing' claim criticised by Met boss

He was criticised by some beforehand, who said he risked inflaming tensions and that the counter protesters could impede the police if disorder did break out.

There have also been concerns about the impact of police resources of counter protests and that they could still spark further unrest.

Police chiefs in other parts of the country have urged people not to attend any protests in the current climate.

But Ms Taylor, who was elected to the post in May, said she supported such events, provided they were peaceful.

Sarah Taylor, police and crime commissioner for Norfolk (Image: Labour Party)

"From my perspective, it is worth saying there is a complete difference between every single person’s right to peaceful protest to the rioting that is happening," she said.

"Across the country and in Norwich there were thousands who attended peaceful protests against the rioting which was really welcome in the communities affected.

"What we saw [on Wednesday] is a powerful and serious reminder about what peaceful protest looks like compared to wanton rioting.

"I understand the concerns about police resources but this should not make any difference to people’s right to peacefully protest.

"It does not make any difference what people are protesting about, the right to peaceful protest should be defended.

"But there is a distinct difference between peaceful protest and the rioting and criminality happening elsewhere in the country."

READ MORE: Norfolk MP criticised for plans to attend street protest amid rising riot fears​MP Clive Lewis at the demonstration (Image: Bruno Brown)

Ms Taylor denied any suggestion of two-tier policing - the idea that police forces deal with some demonstrations and protests more harshly than others.

Such accusations have been made this week by Rupert Lowe, the Reform MP for Great Yarmouth, who said such claims were "undeniable".

But Ms Taylor said: "I have had no indication from members of the public that police have taken a different approach depending on what section of the community is being policed.

"Our officers who work in our market towns, villages and city are part of the community they serve.

"They work really hard, often serving long shifts, to make sure people are safe and feel safe."

She has also warned those using social media to perpetuate "misinformation and outright lies" are being closely watched.

"Addressing the rioting is not just about the immediate police response, officers are also interested in who are the bad actors promoting violence and fermenting ill-feeling in parts of the country. There is no limit to where that interest will take them."