Norwich migration protest LIVE: Clashes break out after Afghan migrants charged with rape

Norwich migration protest LIVE: Clashes break out after Afghan migrants charged with rapeDemonstrators waved Union Jack and St George's flags, chanted against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and held placards of "Stop Immigration, Start Deporting." Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source live By Ciaran McGrath, Senior News Reporter 19:07, Wed, May 27, 2026 Updated: 19:07, Wed, May 27, 2026 Tempers flared this afternoon (Image: PA)Violent clashes have broken out in Norwich city centre during a large anti-immigration protest triggered by charges against seven Afghan nationals. Hundreds gathered outside Norwich City Hall for the demonstration, dubbed the 'Rape gang protest Norwich', following the charging of the men with a total of 40 offences, including multiple counts of rape, against two girls in their early-to-mid teens.The alleged offences occurred in Norwich between August 2023 and May 2025. Counter-protesters confronted the crowd, leading to scuffles as police intervened to separate the groups. Demonstrators waved Union Jack and St George's flags, chanted against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and held placards reading "Stop Immigration, Start Deporting." The protest dispersed around 5.30pm. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTTHIS IS A LIVE BLOG: SCROLL DOWN FOR REGULAR UPDATES Read more: Fury erupts at council move to prosecute for flying 'illegal' Union flags Read more: Hundreds at protest in tiny UK town as migrants relocated there from hotel KEY EVENTSWelcome to our live blog19:01 2 mins ago19:07 Ciaran McGrathNorwich protest highlights ongoing tensions over grooming gang casesNorwich protest highlights ongoing tensions over grooming gang casesThe demonstration in Norwich mirrors similar anti-immigration protests seen across the UK in recent months, including in Epping, Essex.Local residents expressed fury over the handling of child sexual exploitation cases, with some s...