A major brawl broke out on Monday among migrants housed at a former Royal Air Force base in Wethersfield, Essex, resulting in injuries and damage to property.
According to a report by GB News, the fight involved asylum seekers of different nationalities attacking each other with punches, kicks, and chairs in a terrifying display of violence.
The Wethersfield center currently provides accommodation for 430 migrants, with plans to expand capacity to 1,700 people. It was set up by the Ministry of Defence in an effort to reduce the £6 million per day spent to house asylum seekers in hotels.
“Inside the camp – dangerous because most nights fighting another nationality, another language, another people,” said a 19-year-old asylum seeker from Iran who witnessed the brawl. “There is security, but they can’t control because [there are] many people inside here. [There is] no safety. I am scared in here, [it’s] dangerous.”
Several migrants sustained graphic injuries in the melee, including one man who had to be taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for treatment. The violence also resulted in damage to property at the housing center.
This latest incident comes after a protest broke out at the site last month, with footage showing men chanting “wrong plan, wrong place.” There have also been reports of “numerous fights” and “disagreements” between migrants at the base.
Responding to the reports, a Home Office spokesperson condemned the fighting, saying, “Fighting and any forms of vandalism at Wethersfield are totally unacceptable. We continue to work closely with our provider to ensure people behave appropriately on site.
The number of staff has increased alongside the rise in migrants housed at the center. However, witnesses say security has been unable to control the violence due to the large number of asylum seekers staying there.
The plans to house migrants at the former air force base have been contentious since they were first announced in March.
Critics argue that placing large numbers of traumatized people from different backgrounds in cramped accommodation without adequate support or activities is a recipe for tension and violence.
There are also concerns over the isolation of the rural location and lack of access to legal services and healthcare. Locals worry about the impact on their small community.
In light of this latest violent episode, migrant rights advocates are urging the Home Office to improve conditions and support at asylum housing centers like the one in Wethersfield.
They argue that providing safe accommodation, access to medical and legal help, education, and recreational activities could alleviate tensions and prevent further violence.
Critics say warehouses and barracks should not be used to house vulnerable asylum seekers fleeing war and persecution. More suitable accommodation must be found that ensures their welfare as well as community safety.
