Flag graffiti is attempt to intimidate, says vicar

The Reverend Rachel Heskin says graffiti has also appeared on nearby road markings

A vicar has said a St George's Cross painted on a church wall was "an attempt to intimidate".

The Reverend Rachel Heskins said the graffiti, which appeared on the side of St John the Baptist Church in Laughton Way, Lincoln, on Monday night, was upsetting for a community which prided itself on being inclusive and volunteers hoped to scrub the paint off the building.

"The St George's Cross has become a symbol of nationalism which has become confused with patriotism – the two are very different," Ms Heskins said.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson confirmed the force was investigating a report of criminal damage at the church.

Volunteers hope to scrub the paint off the church on Laughton Way, Lincoln

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the graffiti "doesn't represent us and what goes on inside the church".

Ms Heskins added: "It's not just about being proud about being English. This has gone up with an excluding and angry message."

She said the graffiti was "upsetting" for a church which had always been inclusive to strangers and refugees.

"By all means paint a cross on your home, but not on a public building," she added.

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