Within the packed shelves of a tool shop in a Sussex town, there is a conspicuous gap on the wall where cutlery were once shown.
Town gossip suggest this change is connected to the prevailing news story consuming the town: the reported imminent arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers at a local army cadet site.
The store manager comments he was requested to take down the knives by authorities as part of a broader knife crime initiative. "In light of the coincidence, if that's pertinent to the camp, I am unsure," he adds.
This occurrence is symptomatic of the widespread fear and doubt in this town of approximately 22,000 residents. Locals are fighting against plans to house up to 540 single adult male asylum seekers at the military site.
The location was allegedly selected as part of a government commitment to relocate asylum seekers out of temporary lodgings. Despite government assurances that no definitive choice has been made, many residents are bracing for what they perceive as an imposed change on their quiet community.
Claims of vigilantism have been aimed at the community after a locally formed group set up to patrol the streets at night, donning distinctive attire.
Members of this patrol are quick to distance themselves from the "vigilante" description. "The idea is ludicrous," comments one participant, a ex- scout leader. "We are all men past the age of 40. It's just crazy."
They assert their goal is to allay community fears and establish themselves as a reassuring community presence prior to any rumoured arrivals.
"We have a significant wait for the police to arrive. So if you're in trouble, you've practically have to request someone to delay attacking you for a bit?" one member remarks.
They clarify they would only act in the extreme of situations, having undertaken guidance on the parameters of a citizen's arrest.
Although most people in the town interviewed are against the plan, there are contrasting views. One deli manager, who himself relocated to the UK previously, observes on the kindness he received.
"In my view it's fine for people to come here," he said, referencing that immigration is a reality across Europe. "Every country accepts people."
However, this accepting attitude was scarcely in view on a tense Tuesday evening. Tensions were running high outside the military site.
A gathering of about 50 activists had assembled near the camp entrance. Convinced that cleaners were readying the site, and seeing a heavy police presence, many began to suspect the transfer of asylum seekers was hours away.
"Since it's going to be a covert action, surely?" one man remarked. "They won't bring them in during the day."
Police officers on site answered briefly to questions. A protester captured the mood: "Normally, and I'm being honest, you can hear nothing in Crowborough at 10 o'clock."
The atmosphere intensified when police authorised a notice to clear the area, granting them authority to move on anyone likely to cause antisocial behaviour. For many in the crowd, this was confirmation the area was being cleared for the immediate transfer of asylum seekers.
Unconfirmed rumours began to fly. One man claimed he had seen coaches carrying asylum seekers. Minutes later, a coach labelled "chartered transport" drove past the main road, with shadowy faces visible at the windows, feeding the speculation.
A elected representative who arrived at the scene sought to correct the concerned man, explaining that such buses were common on that route, often transporting adherents of a religious group from a regional base.
Over the night, confrontations broke out between protesters and police. Anger was directed at the perceived lack of transparency from the government.
"We have no idea who they are! They're unvetted!" shouted one man at an officer. "Everything would be totally turned if one of your family members was harmed, wouldn't it?"
Claims of bias were thrown, with some stating that residents were being treated unfairly by the police.
Several residents stated upset at media portrayals of their concerns, particularly after a recent demonstration attended by a large crowd.
"We're not extremists," stated one woman. "This is a very affluent area. We are just concerned citizens who don't want this in our village."
She added, "The issue is hundreds of men we know nothing about being housed here. The idea is alarming. It wouldn't matter what race, I would continue protesting."
In the end, the tension fizzled out. By the early hours, it became obvious that no asylum seekers were transported that night, and most people went home.
On a broader level, a heated blame game was raging. Politicians and the MP were trading accusations, with charges of misinformation and poor judgement being made.
One elected official accused the MP of being "wildly irresponsible" and spreading "fake news" that increased fear and anxiety within the community.
Irrespective of the disputes, few in the area were pleased with the unwanted spotlight brought upon the town. One man commented that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the unrest, though he would be hesitant to say so openly.
The following day, further messages circulated among concerned residents of a renewed police presence at the camp, sparking fears that arrivals were imminent from that day forward.
And so, with little concrete information, the state of commotion was poised to start again.
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