Home   Folkestone   News   Article

Police release CCTV following criminal damage at Napier Barracks

An image of two people has been released by police following a protest outside Napier Barracks in which fake blood was thrown at the gates.

The demonstration was carried out at the Folkestone military camp on Thursday morning by anonymous human right activists over the living conditions there.

Police have released an image as part of the investigation into criminal damage in Folkestone. Picture: Kent Police
Police have released an image as part of the investigation into criminal damage in Folkestone. Picture: Kent Police

The facility is currently providing temporary accommodation to hundreds of asylum seekers.

The activists dressed in white boiler suits and masks and erected posters addressed to Home Secretary Priti Patel which read: "Protect human rights. Close Napier now. Priti Patel there will be blood on your hands. #SolidaritywithNapier."

Following the protest, a 36-year-old man from the Dover area and a 46-year-old man from Folkestone were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

They have been released on bail until February 22.

Now, police say they would like to identify and speak to the people pictured, as they "may have information which could assist their ongoing inquiries".

Activists threw fake blood at the gates on Thursday in protest to the arrangement at Napier Barracks. Photo by Andrew Aitchison
Activists threw fake blood at the gates on Thursday in protest to the arrangement at Napier Barracks. Photo by Andrew Aitchison

Officers say the suspects reportedly left the area by car.

The 'fake blood' protest at the army camp came just 24 hours before a fire broke out at the barracks.

Police are treating the incident on Friday as arson, and so far 14 men have been arrested in connection with it.

As well as the fire, windows were smashed and staff were threatened.

The anonymous group called for the facility to close
The anonymous group called for the facility to close

It follows weeks of unease at Napier Barracks, which was opened in September by the Home Office to provide temporary accommodation to 431 men who are seeking asylum in the UK.

Since then a number of protests have been held outside the barracks, from both people welcoming the asylum seekers and those who oppose the arrangements.

In recent weeks, many of the service users have taken to sleeping outside and going on hunger strike to demonstrate against the reportedly cramped and unhygienic living conditions.

In addition, Covid-19 has spread through the barracks and it is claimed more than 100 people have tested positive for the virus.

To help maintain social distancing, the Home Office moved 100 service users into hotels.

That move followed the publication of an open letter from the asylum seekers to the British public in which they said they felt like they were being detained.

Anyone with information regarding the image or the incident itself, should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/14178/21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More