Anti-immigration protests are spreading across England, with demonstrators gathering outside hotels with illegal migrants.
In Norwich, crowds formed by the Brook Hotel as organizers urged more supporters to arrive. Similar rallies are being planned in other towns as anger over asylum housing continues to build.
A video from Nuneaton, in Warwickshire, shows police tactics towards protestors.
In it, a Warwickshire police officer visits a man expected to attend a protest and, sounding uneasy, explains why he’s there.
“Warwick have asked me to come round … they’re aware you might be wanting to attend that planned protest,” he says.
“Obviously that’s absolutely fine. You’ve got freedom of speech … all they’ve asked me to do … it sounds bad … I’ve been asked to do it … just to drop a leaflet about being involved in a protest. I apologize, it’s really woeful.”
The resident pushes back, telling the officer, “We will no longer be silenced,” before adding an expletive about the request.
The officer laughs, thanks him, and leaves.
Police forces say lawful protest will be facilitated, but they warn they will act on disorder, hate crimes, or harassment.
With more demonstrations expected this weekend across the UK, police say they are balancing free expression with keeping neighbourhoods safe.