Among the stuffed shelves of a DIY outlet in a Sussex town, there is a conspicuous gap on the wall where cutlery were once exhibited.
Local whispers claim this change is tied to the prevailing news story gripping the town: the reported planned housing of a large number of people seeking refuge at a local military training camp.
The store proprietor comments he was asked to move the knives by officers as part of a separate knife crime initiative. "Considering the current situation, the possibility that that's connected to the camp, I don't know," he remarks.
This episode is symptomatic of the pervasive fear and doubt in this town of around 22,000 residents. Locals are fighting against proposals to house up to 540 single adult male asylum seekers at the training camp.
The location was reportedly identified as part of a national commitment to transfer asylum seekers out of emergency housing. Even with official assurances that no final decision has been made, many inhabitants are gearing up for what they see as an disruptive arrival on their quiet community.
Claims of taking the law into one's own hands have been aimed at the community after a resident-run group began to walk the neighbourhood at night, wearing high-visibility gear.
Members of this group are eager to separate from the "vigilante" description. "That is absurd," says one organiser, a former scout leader. "We are all men above the age of 40. It's just unfounded."
They maintain their aim is to allay resident concerns and position themselves as a reassuring neighbourhood watch ahead of any rumoured arrivals.
"There is a long delay for the police to respond. So if you're being attacked, you've practically have to request someone to delay harming you temporarily?" one member quips.
They emphasise they would only get involved in the gravest of incidents, having had training on the legal limits of a citizen's arrest.
While the majority of people in the town polled oppose the plan, there are contrasting views. One shop proprietor, who himself came to the UK previously, observes on the friendliness he received.
"In my view it's fine for people to seek shelter," he said, noting that immigration is a reality across Europe. "Every country hosts people."
However, this accepting attitude was hardly in evidence on a tense Tuesday evening. Apprehension were running high outside the gated facility.
A crowd of about 50 activists had congregated near the camp entrance. Convinced that cleaners were preparing the site, and seeing a large police presence, many grew convinced the movement of asylum seekers was happening that night.
"As it's going to be a secretive action, surely?" one man remarked. "They'd never bring them in during the day."
Police officers deployed replied curtly to questions. A local builder captured the scene: "Usually, and I'm not exaggerating, you can hear absolute silence in Crowborough at night."
The atmosphere worsened when police authorised a notice to clear the area, granting them the right to remove anyone engaged in disorder. For many in the crowd, this was evidence the area was being cleared for the imminent movement of asylum seekers.
Baseless claims began to circulate. One man claimed he had seen buses carrying asylum seekers. Moments later, a vehicle labelled "chartered transport" drove past the main road, with unidentifiable faces visible at the windows, intensifying the speculation.
A elected representative involved in the scene attempted to correct 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 broke out between the crowd and police. Anger was directed at the apparent lack of communication from authorities.
"We have no idea who they are! They're unvetted!" shouted one man at an officer. "Perspectives would be totally turned if one of your loved ones was harmed, wouldn't it?"
Accusations of bias were levelled, with some arguing that residents were being treated more harshly by the police.
Many residents voiced anger at how they were being depicted of their concerns, particularly after a recent demonstration attended by a large crowd.
"We are not extremists," stated one woman. "It's a quiet, normal area. We are just normal people who don't want this in our community."
She went on, "Our concern is hundreds of men we know absolutely nothing about being housed here. The idea is frightening. This doesn't matter what colour, I would continue protesting."
As the night wore on, the tension fizzled out. By the small hours, it became obvious that no asylum seekers were being brought that night, and most people left.
Behind the scenes, a toxic war of words was raging. Elected representatives and the local MP were blaming each other, with claims of irresponsibility and poor judgement being levelled.
One senior councillor accused the MP of being "wildly irresponsible" and spreading "fake news" that increased tension and distrust within the community.
Despite of the arguments, few in the area were content with the unwanted spotlight brought upon the town. One local commented that a friend felt "ashamed" of Crowborough because of the protests, though the friend would be afraid to say so publicly.
The day after, fresh messages emerged among activists of a renewed police presence at the camp, sparking fears that arrivals were expected from that day onwards.
And so, with little concrete information, the pattern of speculation threatened to continue.
