St George's Cross guildhall vandalism 'upsetting'

A St George's Cross was painted on Portsmouth Guildhall

A council has described damage caused to a 19th-Century landmark after it was painted with a St George's Cross by vandals as "upsetting".

Portsmouth Guildhall, a Victorian hall now used as an events venue, is one of a number of buildings and roads in the city which have been painted with the flag, Portsmouth City Council said.

A spokesperson for the council said that, although the painting had been removed, there was "still visible damage".

"Damaging [the Guildhall] is upsetting, unlawful and costly to repair," they said.

"[It] is a civic and cultural landmark of great importance to the city and its residents."

The council said the damage was visible even though the paint had been removed

The council said it had a legal duty to remove any symbols painted on roads, but said no action was currently being taken to remove flags hanging from lamp posts or other public infrastructure if they were not causing a hazard.

The widespread flying of flags follows an online movement called Operation Raise the Colours.

It has become a controversial issue, with some politicians decrying the removal of Union and St George's Cross flags.

Others have claimed the increased flying of flags is a result of xenophobia or racism.