Priti Patel has written to residents who live near Napier Barracks in Folkestone following a string of incidents at the site.

The Home Secretary penned the letter to explain the Home Office's account of the situation, and re-assure residents "of the attention being given to this matter" ahead of an inspection to the site today.

The military barracks – which is currently being used to house asylum seekers – has been at the centre of national attention following a major disturbance in January.

There has also been a great deal of controversy over the safety of the site, which has been described by its residents and charities as unhygienic and not covid-secure.

More than 100 people are claimed to have tested positive for Covid-19 within the barracks out of a total of around 400 men originally staying at the site.

Charity Freedom from Torture has said that the number of people staying there has been reduced to as low as 50 people, ahead of an inspection of the conditions today.

Inspectors from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) are due to visit the barracks, as well as Penally Camp, a similar site in Wales.

Ms Patel's letter has been co-signed by Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins, who has previously called for the barracks to be closed as soon as possible, as well as Folkestone and Hythe District Council leader David Monk.

The letter, which was posted to residents yesterday, said that the positive Covid cases happened "despite best efforts", and that some asylum seekers were moved from the camp to allow for social distancing, self-isolation, and deep-cleaning to take place.

It also touched upon what it described as the "serious disturbance" on Friday, January 29, which has seen a total of 14 people arrested.

One man has also been charged with assault by beating, using or threatening unlawful violence and criminal damage.

The letter read: "Those arrested have been moved off the site and are being accommodated elsewhere.

"As there is an ongoing police investigation, we cannot comment in details about what has happened.

"However, please be assured that robust action will be taken against anyone responsible for the damage to the site, which could have put people in danger."

The Home Secretary also revealed that those remaining at the site are currently having to self-isolate for 10 days to "bring the covid outbreak under control", and that the government was working to put in additional measures as necessary to manage the outbreak.

The letter continued: "The site has accommodated soldiers and army personnel in the past and provides safe, suitable and warm accommodation where asylum seekers receive three meals a day.

"It is not a detention centre and asylum seekers are free to come and go, but there are clear expectations about their conduct and adherence to the law, including coronavirus regulations, which apply to all of us.

"Incidents like these understandably cause public concern and we appreciate the distress the incident may have caused [residents living nearby].

"it is important to recognise that most asylum seekers are law abiding and welcome the support provided, and it is only a small minority who have chosen to abuse this hospitality.

"I hope this letter re-assures you of the attention being given to this matter and the actions being taken."

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