Among the packed shelves of a DIY outlet in a Sussex town, there is a noticeable gap on the wall where cutlery were once shown.
Town gossip suggest this removal is connected to the major news story consuming the town: the alleged planned housing of a large number of individuals claiming asylum at a nearby defence facility.
The store proprietor explains he was requested to move the knives by officers as part of a broader knife crime initiative. "Considering the coincidence, the possibility that that's connected to the camp, I don't know," he remarks.
This occurrence is symptomatic of the pervasive fear and doubt in this town of approximately 22,000 residents. Residents are actively opposing schemes to house up to 540 unaccompanied men asylum seekers at the training camp.
The site was allegedly identified as part of a national commitment to move asylum seekers out of hotel accommodation. Although government comments that no final decision has been made, many inhabitants are preparing for what they perceive as an unwelcome incursion on their tranquil community.
Allegations of unofficial policing have been levelled at the community after a resident-run group began to monitor the area at night, in identifiable attire.
Members of this initiative are keen to distance themselves from the "vigilante" tag. "That is absurd," states one founder, a former scout leader. "The group consists of all men over the age of 40. It's just crazy."
They maintain their goal is to allay local anxieties and position themselves as a reassuring neighbourhood watch before any potential arrivals.
"There is a lengthy response time for the police to respond. So if you're facing danger, you've got to hope someone to delay harming you for a bit?" one member states.
They clarify they would only get involved in the gravest of incidents, having received advice on the legal limits of a civilian detention.
Although most people in the town who spoke publicly disagree with the plan, there are alternative voices. One deli manager, who personally came to the UK in the past, comments on the welcome he received.
"I believe it's acceptable for people to come here," he said, referencing that new arrivals is a fact across Europe. "All nations accepts people."
However, this accepting stance was hardly in evidence on a particular Tuesday evening. Apprehension were elevated outside the gated facility.
A group of about 50 protesters had assembled near the camp entrance. Convinced that workers were readying the site, and seeing a large police presence, many grew convinced the transfer of asylum seekers was imminent.
"Since it's going to be a covert move, isn't it?" one man remarked. "They're not going to bring them in during the day."
Police officers present answered tersely to questions. A local builder described the mood: "Usually, and I'm not exaggerating, you can hear a pin drop in Crowborough at 10 o'clock."
The standoff intensified when police authorised a temporary dispersal order, granting them powers to remove anyone causing a disturbance. For many in the crowd, this was confirmation the area was being secured for the immediate transfer of asylum seekers.
Unverified claims began to fly. One man claimed he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Minutes later, a coach labelled "chartered transport" drove past the main road, with shadowy faces seen at the windows, intensifying the speculation.
A elected representative who arrived at the scene sought to calm the agitated man, pointing out that such buses were routine on that route, often transporting adherents of a movement from a nearby headquarters.
Over the night, confrontations erupted between protesters and police. Anger was vented at the apparent lack of transparency from authorities.
"We have no idea who they are! They're not processed!" yelled one man at an officer. "The situation would be drastically altered if your own loved ones was attacked, wouldn't it?"
Allegations of unequal treatment were levelled, with some claiming that white British people were being treated differently by the police.
Several residents voiced frustration at how they were being depicted of their actions, especially after a public rally attended by thousands.
"We are not thugs," said one woman. "It's a respectable area. They are just ordinary residents who object to this in our town."
She added, "The problem is so many men we know nothing about being placed here. It's frightening. It wouldn't matter what colour, I would still be protesting."
As the night wore on, the tension fizzled out. By the small hours, it became obvious that no asylum seekers were arriving that night, and the crowd went home.
Politically, a heated war of words was raging. Local councillors and the member of parliament were trading accusations, with allegations of stirring up trouble and political motives being levelled.
One senior councillor claimed the MP of being "reckless" and spreading "misinformation" that increased fear and anxiety within the community.
Irrespective of the political wrangling, few in the area were pleased with the negative attention brought upon the town. One resident said that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the unrest, though they would be reluctant to say so openly.
The day after, new messages circulated among concerned residents of a continued police presence at the camp, suggesting that arrivals were expected from that day forward.
And so, with only rumours to go on, the pattern of commotion was poised to continue.
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