Flag-raisers now offer to install free flagpoles on patriotic Britons' homes after activists rip banners down from lampposts

Fighting back, the group, called Flag Force Braintree, has confirmed their team are planning to offer up locals the chance to have flagpoles fitted free of charge.

"This service would be carried out by a fully-insured workman, and a choice of flags would be available," a post shared onto the group's social media said.

"We would ask for a donation if you could afford one. If not, we will cover all costs."

Setting out their "clear and heartfelt mission", they vowed to "proudly display the national flags on every available lamp post throughout our town, ensuring each one is maintained with the utmost care and respect".

They have already raised hundreds of pounds to support their cause.

However, the group has long been plagued with "angry little people" tearing down the Union flag, claiming they wait until nightfall to carry out their deeds.

Last month, they issued a public outcry after claiming their flags had been vandalised with black paint, leaving marks all over the pavement and lampposts too.

Back in March, flags were spotted being ripped down around midnight, with as many as eight being dragged down from a place of pride at the top of the lamppost.

The patriots theorised: "We believe they are trying to rip them down in small intervals, in order to not get seen.

"Last time we caught them, they kept hiding behind bushes every time a car came past."

The flag-flyers described the offenders as dressed in all black and donning face masks "in order to avoid being seen".

"They go around with a long extension pole with a brush on the top, and they rip the flags off, leaving the remnants hanging there," they further added.

In a bid to take on the local "flag ninjas", they have ramped up their local patrols and are looking to establish CCTV to catch the culprits.

Ever since Operation Raise the Colours took off last summer, Union Jacks and St George's Crosses gracing streets up and down the country have stirred up conflicting feelings.

While plenty of Britons in Essex have taken to the cause, the county council offered up support to staff who may experience "feelings of discomfort" due to the flags' "association with anti-immigration rhetoric".

Back in September, England and Union flags were brandished during Braintree's demonstration against undocumented asylum seekers being housed in Wethersfield.

The authority urged staff who were "unsettled or affected by what you're seeing" to speak with their seniors.

A council spokesman said: "An email offering reassurance and the opportunity to seek support was sent on behalf of Essex County Council’s Children and Families Leadership Team to their employees.

"Essex County Council has many employees working with children and families in areas such as Epping where there have been, and continue to be, high profile protests as well as support for the current flag-flying campaign.

"We support people’s right to fly the flag and we proudly fly the St George’s Cross outside County Hall, our headquarters in Chelmsford."