favicon

T4K3.news

Two men charged following Diss hotel protest

James Harvey and Luke Sharman face charges related to a racially aggravated protest at the Park Hotel.

July 27, 2025 at 10:59 AM
blur Two men charged with racial offences in Diss hotel protest

Two men have been charged following a protest outside of the Park Hotel, in Diss, earlier this week.

Two men face charges for racial offences at Diss hotel protest

James Harvey, 22, and Luke Sharman, 23, were charged after a protest at the Park Hotel in Diss on July 21. Harvey faces a racially aggravated public order offence, while Sharman is charged with similar offences along with possession of cannabis. They were arrested after authorities reviewed protest footage and are scheduled to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court on September 16. The protests were condemned by local MP Adrian Ramsay, who criticized external groups for instigating fear and division in the community, which he said is built on compassion and respect for asylum seekers.

Key Takeaways

✔️
Two men charged following a protest at Park Hotel in Diss.
✔️
Charges include racially aggravated public order offences and cannabis possession.
✔️
Local MP Adrian Ramsay condemned the protest and its external instigators.
✔️
Protests were sparked by the hotel's housing of asylum seekers.
✔️
The hotel may close if required to house single males.
✔️
Community responses to asylum seekers remain divided.

"Groups from outside our community came here to create fear and division."

This quote reflects local MP Adrian Ramsay's sentiment on external influences during the protests.

"We have a long and proud history of offering sanctuary to those fleeing persecution."

Ramsay emphasizes the town's reputation for compassion towards asylum seekers.

"If we are made to house single males, we will close the hotel."

A shocking statement from the hotel suggests a willingness to end its asylum-seeking accommodation.

The charges against Harvey and Sharman highlight ongoing tensions within communities grappling with issues surrounding asylum seekers. As the Park Hotel has recently housed families fleeing persecution, local sentiment has been mixed. While some residents embrace the opportunity to provide safety for vulnerable groups, others react negatively, often fueled by misinformation or external influences. This incident underscores a larger problem in how communities respond to immigration, with some calling for unity and understanding in the face of fear-mongering.

Highlights

  • Protests fueled by out-of-town groups create fear and division.
  • Diss is a town rooted in compassion and decency.
  • People seeking asylum deserve dignity and respect.
  • We need unity in our community, not division.

Community tensions surrounding racial offences

The charged offences reflect rising tensions over asylum seekers within the community. Local reactions indicate possible backlash against asylum accommodations, which could lead to further incidents. These dynamics may risk escalating conflict in the area, especially with involvement from external groups.

Future discussions are needed to bridge the divide within communities.

Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!

Related News