Patriotism or provocation? Why England's flag frenzy is causing a stir

Evidence suggests movement is being orchestrated by extremist groups

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Union flags and St George's crosses have appeared on lampposts across the UK in recent weeks as part of a campaign dubbed Operation Raise the Colours.

The initiative, praised in parts of the right-wing press as an "army of patriots," has spread to towns and cities across England including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Stourbridge, Nottingham and Manchester. Social media posts show local groups attaching flags to lampposts and bridges, with organisers boasting of distributing thousands of flags in just days.

The movement is being hailed by supporters as an expression of national pride, but questions are being raised over whether something more sinister is going on - given its close links to far-right groups and activists.