Police warn of criminal offence for painting England flags

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As reported, a St George's Cross was painted on the double mini roundabouts at Marcham Road and Ock Street in Abingdon last weekend.

This was in fact reported to the police at around 8pm on Saturday, August 23, Thames Valley Police has confirmed.

A police spokeswoman said: "Following an investigation, the report was passed to the council for the paint to be removed."

READ MORE: England flags painted on roundabout of 'Britain's oldest town'

When asked about the rules of painting flags on the roads of Oxfordshire, the spokeswoman said it could amount to criminal damage.

She said: "Any incident reported to us will be considered individually, with each report likely to have its own circumstances, motivation, impact and level of damage caused.

"As with all matters, policing continues to take an impartial approach and we will balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime and enforce the law.

"Regardless of the symbols involved or sentiment being expressed, painting on the highway, including roundabout markings, constitutes an offence of criminal damage and will be investigated appropriately as well as being flagged to the relevant highway authority."

Groups responsible for putting up the flags have told the BBC they are motivated by pride and patriotism.

However, others have said it feels provocative at a time when tensions are running high over immigration.

Oxfordshire County Council says it "proudly" flies both the Union Jack and St George's flags.

A spokesman told this newspaper earlier this week that people should avoid hanging or painting flags where there could be "safety risks" to road users.

He added: "We would also advise people not to risk injuring themselves or causing damage.

Keir Starmer has waded into the topic

"We would only take immediate action to remove something if it poses a danger to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

"We are liaising with fellow councils across the country and national bodies such as the Local Government Association to keep in touch with the national picture and await national guidance

"We very much welcome people flying flags on their own private property."

Downing Street has said the Prime Minister is "absolutely" supportive of people who put up English flags.

Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: "I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels.

"I think he's talked about that previously, not least recently in relation to the Lionesses' successful campaign in the Euros.

"Patriotism will always be an important thing to him.

"We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football team - women's and men's - are out trying to win games for us."