Founder of Raise the Colours, Ryan Bridge, was arrested in Oxfordshire on Tuesday on suspicion of racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm, or distress. Bridge, aged 44 and from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, initiated Raise the Colours with Elliott Stanley for what they described as “patriotic” motives, overseeing the display of the cross of St George and Union flags on lampposts nationwide.
The arrest was made by Thames Valley Police in response to incidents of public order offenses in Oxford, as reported by The Guardian. Video footage shared by Raise the Colours captured Bridge being detained against a van.
During the arrest, Bridge can be heard telling officers not to push him, questioning what he had done wrong, and instructing his cameraman to film him. Raise the Colours has been issued a legal notice prohibiting the placement of flags in Oxfordshire.
A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police stated that a 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, was arrested and released on police bail following the investigation into public order offenses on Abingdon Road, Oxford.
Oxfordshire County Council issued a formal notice to Raise the Colours to cease placing flags across the county due to the impact on communities. Cllr Liz Leffman emphasized the importance of community cohesion and condemned the flag placements as acts of intimidation and division.
Residents have reported feeling unwelcome and unsafe due to the flag installations, with instances of abuse towards those removing the flags. The council reiterates its commitment to protecting residents and upholding community unity through necessary legal measures.
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