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Police called to Napier Barracks in Folkestone

Police were called to a disturbance at a military barracks in Kent being used to house asylum seekers.

At least two police vehicles and several officers were seen outside Napier Barracks in Folkestone this afternoon.

Police are at the Napier Barracks in Folkestone
Police are at the Napier Barracks in Folkestone

However, a spokesman from the force has confirmed no offences have been reported and no arrests were made.

It is not known why officers attended but it follows weeks of unease at the camp, which has included hunger strikes and protests by the service users over the living conditions.

The facility is being used by the Home Office to temporary house around 400 men seeking asylum in the UK. It was opened in September and could be used for up to 12 months.

A Covid-19 outbreak was reported at the barracks on Monday.

Earlier today, an open letter was published by the asylum seekers addressed to the British public asking for help and comparing the centre to a prison.

An extract from the letter reads: "It is vital to understand that no one chooses to leave the country they were born in, no one chooses to leave their family and loved ones behind.

"We came to this country to save our lives, lives which were mostly in danger because of war and persecution. Yet we found ourselves in an army camp and we are surrounded by fences and security guards.

"We are detained without knowing what we have done to deserve living like this or how long we are going to stay here.

"After so many protests and some suicide attempts, the Home Office still has no intention to improve the situation.

"There are fathers, sons and husbands here.

"There are nurses, teachers, engineers and talented people here and yet we have been treated like criminals or prisoners."

There are calls for the barracks to be closed as soon as possible.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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