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Man charged following Napier Barracks fire due at crown court

By: Sam Williams swilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:16, 02 February 2021

Updated: 11:17, 02 February 2021

A man who was charged following the suspected arson attack at Napier Barracks will now appear at crown court.

Fourteen people were arrested following the disturbance at the Folkestone military camp on Friday, which is currently being used to house asylum seekers.

Flames and smoke could be seen at the barracks on Friday

No serious injuries were reported as a result of the incident, however a significant amount of damage was caused to one part of the site following the blaze - which is believed to have been started deliberately.

One of these suspects, 31-year-old Mohammed Ali, was charged with assault by beating, using or threatening unlawful violence and criminal damage.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday, after which he was remanded in custody.

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Mr Ali will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, March 1.

The other 13 men arrested have been released on bail.

Police at the scene outside the barracks. Photo: Barry Goodwin

The incident on Friday followed weeks of unrest at Napier Barracks, which was turned into temporary accommodation for people seeking asylum in the UK by the Home Office in September.

Service users have complained of cramped conditions and feeling like they're being detained.

Covid-19 also broke out and some guests were moved to hotels last month to make social distancing easier.

Several protests have also taken place inside the camp - including some people going on hunger strike -, as well as outside the gates.

Last week, anonymous activists threw fake blood at the gates and called for the centre to close.

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Police are appealing for more information about this incident and would like to identify two people in connection with it.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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