Overview

• Norfolk Police said their focus is on words and behaviour during flag attachment rather than the act itself, with no interference in personal displays on private property.
• Officers can remove items from street furniture only if content is illegal or placement creates a safety risk, otherwise councils or highways authorities handle removals.
• Green councillor Ian Stutely and independent Karen Davis tabled a motion to use statutory powers to clear flags, stickers and graffiti, seek delegated authority and cost reimbursement from the county, and record removals with police where appropriate.
• Norfolk County Council maintains routine takedowns would be impractical and too costly, preferring removal during scheduled maintenance, while police reiterate flag-flying is not an offence without other criminality.
• A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of common assault after a September 10 incident linked to flag activity, as the row plays out against the wider Operation Raise the Colours campaign and scrutiny of non-crime hate incident recording.