An investigation has been launched by police after a roundabout was painted with a St George's cross.
A video which went viral on social media appeared to show a man painting the flag onto a roundabout in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.
The footage comes amid a growing movement dubbed "Operation Raise the Colours" which has seen the Union Jack and St George's flags raised across the country.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
However, West Mercia Police have now confirmed it was investigating the incident as criminal damage.
Inspector Richard Field, of Bromsgrove Police, said: "Painting roundabouts is not only dangerous to drivers and pedestrians, but it also amounts to criminal damage.
"We are working closely with partners, including Worcestershire county council, to tackle this issue and investigate where appropriate."
It is thought that at least five other roundabouts in the West Midlands have been painted in the same way.
The St George's cross has been painted on mini-roundabouts across the city | TURNING POINT UK/FACEBOOKA spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We're aware of criminal damage having occurred, and we're carrying out further inquiries."
It emerged on Tuesday that the paint on the roundabout in Bromsgrove had been removed by the Reform-led Worcestershire County Council.
A council spokesman said: "All road markings on the county's highway network are strictly regulated for safety, including those on roundabouts of any size.
"Changes to agreed road markings must not be made unless approved by the Highway Authority, in line with these regulations.
FLAG ROW - READ MORE:
- Nigel Farage accuses Labour of 'hating St George's cross' as flag row erupts over MP's outburst
- 'It is a JOKE!' Emily Carver forced to step in as furious Palestinian flag row erupts on GB News
- Labour donor splits leafy town by unveiling Palestine flag - while councils tear down Union Jacks
- As a British Indian, my love of the Union Jack is inconvenient for the racist Left - Aman Bhogal
The paint on the roundabout in Bromsgrove was removed by the council
|X
"Unofficial actions on the highway network could be distracting or cause confusion to some road users so will therefore be removed."
It comes after the council was caught up in a row regarding patriotic flags earlier this week after a spokesman for the council said that St George's and Union flags which had been hung from lampposts were at risk of causing harm to pedestrians and motorists.
However, the council's leader, Councillor Jo Monk declared: "I, of course, support flying both flags proudly on lampposts throughout the county.
"Our national flags are a symbol of our national pride, and I will champion any effort that celebrates our nation."
Nigel Farage insisted that the council spokesman had made the statement without permission
|HOUSE OF COMMONS
Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, then insisted that the council spokesman had made the statement without permission.
The Party confirmed patriotic flags would not be removed from lampposts across the 12 councils which it runs.
Guidance had previously been issued by the Government to say it wanted "more flags flow, particularly the Union flag" provided they were hung with "the permission of the owner of the site".