Council reports abuse over flag removal to police

Campaign groups have been flying Union and St George's Cross flags as part of a UK-wide action called Operation Raise the Colours

A council leader has said that the abuse of colleagues will not be tolerated after a viral video showed a member of the public confronting council workers who were removing flags.

Thames Valley Police say they are investigating an alleged public order offence that happened on Cox Green Lane, Maidenhead on 15 September.

The workers were using a cherry picker to remove a union flag from a lamppost when they were approached by a member of the public.

The Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, Simon Werner said they will always report any instances of abuse to the police.

The council has confirmed that the workers featured in the video are contractors carrying out work on its behalf.

Werner, said: "While displaying flags is a very British way of expressing joy and pride, often bringing communities together especially around sporting events - there is nothing British about intimidating others, that's not patriotism - it's completely unacceptable and has no place in our borough.

"We will not tolerate our hard-working colleagues being abused while delivering services to our communities and will always report any instances to the police."

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "We have received footage that appears to show two men being threatened and verbally abused, and our enquiries are ongoing.

"While the matter of flags is primarily for the local authority, we will investigate any unlawful behaviour directed at workers carrying out their duties.

"We would like to reassure the public that appropriate measures are being taken."