Overview

• Essex Police arrested a 33-year-old on 23 August on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage, then released him on bail.
• Viral footage shows two men painting red St George’s crosses on flats above shops on Whitmore Way in Basildon as racist abuse is directed at a Muslim woman walking with a child.
• Detectives are assessing the video after numerous public reports and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact officers.
• Chief Inspector Paul Hogben called the painting criminal damage and described the language heard in the clip as disgraceful.
• Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan welcomed lawful flag displays but condemned vandalism and racism, noting heightened flag displays across the country including near asylum seeker sites.