RAF Scampton: Further disorder reported at asylum camp

Bright torches have been shone at drivers and eggs thrown as unrest continues at the former RAF Scampton asylum centre site, police said.

Home Office plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers at the Lincolnshire site have led to a number of protests.

In recent days, Lincolnshire Police said high-powered torches had been shone into the eyes of drivers, or those accessing the site.

Eggs had also being thrown at vehicles and staff, the force said.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Monday night on suspicion of multiple public order offences, a police spokesperson said.

A section of the A15 by the camp was also closed for a short time so officers could safely speak with those at the site and carry out the arrest.

The man, who has since been bailed with conditions not to go within 3.2 miles (5.14km) of the site, was further arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence in connection with an incident on 12 October, and a public order offence reported on 13 October.

Commenting on the incidents, the spokesperson added: "These reports have been taken extremely seriously due to the risk a driver could be blinded by the high-powered light, leading to a potential collision on the busy 50mph A15 road, or at the site.

"The egg throwing is being treated as assault."

Police said they had a duty "to uphold the right to lawful protest", but would not tolerate criminal behaviour.

Two people were previously charged with public order offences.

Campaigners have also staged a number of lawful protests over the plans for the ex-RAF station, and some historians have objected due to the site's wartime links.

Sarah Carter, who lives near the site, has pitched a large tent just outside the camp's boundary to stage a round-the-clock protest against the plans.

However, she said those involved in the disorder were not helping the cause.

"We want to be seen in a good light," she said.

"I don't know why these protestors think it's ok to abuse people who are just trying to pay their mortgage," she added.

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