Overview
- Thames Valley Police opened a hate-related criminal damage investigation in Reading after a St George’s Cross was painted on a clothing bank outside the Al-Majid Centre.
- Councils say the wave of displays linked to ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ will be handled individually, with guidance from bodies such as Cumberland and Durham and with critics including HOPE not hate questioning the campaign’s organisers.
- Authorities reiterate that painting crosses on roads, roundabouts and crossings is criminal damage under highways regulations, with costly removals or repainting required in places highlighted by Trafford and Taplow.
- Portsmouth City Council reported its 19th-century Guildhall was defaced with a painted St George’s Cross, calling the act unlawful and noting visible damage remained after cleaning.
- Cumbria Police rejected viral claims that officers removed a flag, clarifying the widely shared image showed CCTV installation near a church and confirming the flag was not taken down.