Police stand by as flag gang climbs lampposts

WEST Midlands Police has come under fire after officers stood by as a group of men put up new St George's Cross flags on a city street with a cherry picker.

- JANE HAYNES

Police said they were 'keeping the peace' as men used a cherry picker to attach flags to lampposts in Stirchley

Bystanders said the police presence appeared to legitimise the activity of those hanging flags from lampposts in Stirchley, despite rising tensions between those in favour and those against the craze. Stirchley has been a flashpoint.

Officers at the scene were filmed telling onlookers they were simply there to ensure there was no “breach of the peace” They said they were not providing an escort.

But in an angry riposte, some residents said it was an unfathomable use of police time. They asked if those who wanted to remove the flags would be given the same “red carpet treatment”.

Video showing the exchange between frustrated residents and a police officer was posted on the social media channel Bluesky.