Three arrests made during fresh immigration protest in Crowborough
Campaigners voiced concerns about a former military camp being used to house asylum seekers
Three people have been arrested following two incidents of disorder outside Crowborough training camp, which is being used to house asylum seekers.
About 27 men have been housed at the camp, where the Home Office plans to accommodate up to 500 men as it bids to end the use of asylum hotels.
The move has sparked opposition from neighbours of the camp and the local authority, Wealden District Council, has said it is considering legal action.
Sussex Police said the arrests followed two incidents at the entrance to the East Sussex camp on Friday January 23.
A force spokesman said: "The gathering was initially peaceful, however when a vehicle was leaving the site, three individuals were threatening and intimidatory.
"The individuals caused an obstruction, shouted abuse and struck the vehicle, alarming the driver and passengers."
A 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman, both from Crowborough, and a 54-year-old man from Newhaven were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of an offence under section 4a of the Public Order Act and are currently in police custody, the spokesman said.
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: "We know that the use of the Crowborough training camp for asylum accommodation has caused concern within the community.
"Sussex Police has engaged with lawful protesters regularly over their concerns and will continue to enable the right to peaceful protest.
"However, last night there was a small group of people within the gathering that acted in a threatening and intimidatory manner to people going about their lawful business at the entrance to the site.
"This behaviour is not acceptable and we will not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour.
"Our officers are working hard to ensure everyone in and around Crowborough and at the camp are kept safe. Where individuals seek to commit criminal acts, they can expect to face robust action from the police.
"We have increased our police presence in Crowborough and the surrounding area to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reassurance, which will continue over the coming weeks.
"Any incidents will be responded to based on threat, harm and risk in line with our existing processes for preventing crime and responding to calls for service across Sussex.
"We will continue to work with our partners to support the local community and encourage anyone with concerns to speak with officers in the street or at their local police station.
"The Home Office retains responsibility for the site, its security and its occupants, and we encourage anyone with concerns relating to the site to contact the Home Office in the first instance."
On a visit to Crowborough on Thursday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to defend any legal challenge "vigorously".
She told broadcasters: "I understand the strength of feeling but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country.
"We should never have used asylum hotels to house illegal migrants into this country."
Ms Mahmood has been tasked with speeding up efforts to close asylum hotels and has argued that using military sites is a vital part of ending that plan.
Crowborough is one of two military sites the Government announced last year that it would use to house asylum seekers, along with Cameron Barracks in Inverness in the Highlands.
Latest Home Office figures show the number of asylum seekers being temporarily housed in hotels increased by 13% to 36,273 at the end of September.
On Thursday, the Government said 197 hotels were being used to house asylum seekers as of January 5, down from more than 400 at its peak under the previous government.
The Crowborough accommodation has 24/7 security with CCTV and strict sign-in processes for residents, the Home Office said.
They will also have completed health and police checks before arriving at the base.