Police patrol rise after asylum homes vandalised

Properties intended to house asylum seekers were vandalised

Police have increased patrols in a small town after properties intended to house asylum seekers were vandalised.

Officers said there had been seven such incidents in Millom, Cumbria.

Plans to use the houses as asylum seeker accommodation have now been “paused”, according to a local MP.

The Home Office, which is responsible for housing asylum seekers around the UK, said it was working with local authorities to address concerns.

Criminal damage will not be tolerated, police said

Millom Town Council said it had spoken to developers looking to convert properties for use by asylum seekers.

It said the “lack of information and consultation” about the plans had led to “frustration and anger in the community”.

Cumberland Council said they had also approached Serco, who procure homes for asylum seekers on behalf of the Home Office, about the plans after receiving complaints from local residents.

"Serco have paused procurement of properties in Millom whilst these concerns are being considered," a spokesperson said.

The Conservative MP for Copeland, Trudy Harrison, said Millom was not a suitable location for such accommodation, because it was “too isolated”.

She said she was “very pleased” that the region's process for approving the houses for use by asylum seekers had been “paused”.

'Criminal damage'

Cumbria Police said: “Criminal damage will not be tolerated, and officers are investigating each incident and will deal robustly with any offenders.

“Patrols have been increased in the area with officers paying attention to identified areas.”

The Home Office said it condemned any vandalism “in the strongest possible terms”.

A spokesperson added: “The Home Office has a duty to provide safe and secure housing for asylum seekers and we are continuing to work closely with local authorities in Millom, to manage any impact in the area and address the local communities concerns.”