STORY
Council offices in Sittingbourne were left damaged and boarded up after a violent protest turned ugly following a heated debate on asylum seekers. Local authorities say the scene deteriorated dramatically when a group of thugs clashed with councillors and security staff, leaving windows smashed and graffiti daubed across the building.
Eyewitnesses described chaos outside the offices as arguments spilled into vandalism, with eggs thrown at councillors and some demonstrators spitting at officials. Once the council building was targeted, the disorder escalated and police were called in to restore order. The extent of the damage prompted council leaders to secure the premises while investigations continue.
Leaders condemned the behaviour as completely unjustified, stressing that democratic debate should never be met with violence. They urged anyone with information about those responsible to come forward, as the community reels from an incident that has left a normally peaceful town shocked by thuggish conduct.