Gavin Stephens says rows over asylum seekers have raised community tensions and put pressure on officers
Politicians should work to “reduce and defuse tensions” instead of stoking division, a senior chief constable has said.
Gavin Stephens, who chairs the National Police Chiefs’ Council, was speaking after weeks of demonstrations against asylum seekers being housed in hotels, and counter-protests by those who fear the issue is mobilising the far right and demonising vulnerable people.