A group of men have been attacked with a 'petrol bomb' in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, after putting up a series of English flags in their town.
The attack occurred in the early hours of this morning, leaving one man, known as Louis, with a huge gash and a head covered in blood.
The group were putting up English flags across their town on lampposts and poles.
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Footage on the group's X page (@HertsStandUp) and Instagram (@StevenagePatriots) shows Louis with a significant cut on his head.
He was attended to by paramedics at the scene following the attack.
One of the men, who prefers to remain anonymous, told GB News: "It is, of course, worrying to see such hostility, but it will never stop us from raising our flag with pride.
"The fact that people are so quick to attack us is concerning, yet it only makes us more determined to stand firm in who we are."
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Louis can be seen bleeding from his head
|X/HERTSSTANDUP
The men said that the only reason they can see for why people would attack them is through carrying "a deep resentment and hatred towards our nation and everything it represents".
They continued: "Sadly, that intolerance surfaces when we choose to proudly display our national identity."
One of the men explained the attack would not deter them and they will continue: "Flying the flag... to keep our nation's spirit alive".
He explained: "We are a tolerant, welcoming country, but we also want to preserve our heritage and identity.
Paramedics at the scene attending to Louis
|X/HERTSSTANDUP
The police said the victim was attacked with a 'glass bottle containing a lit rag'
|X/HERTSSTANDUP
"The St George's flag is something to be proud of - it represents resilience, unity, and the values we hold dear.
"My message is simple: keep going, keep waving your flags, because we are a country that does not surrender - and we never will."
Herts Police confirmed they were called to reports of a man being assaulted in Fairlands Way, Stevenage, at 12.09am on Saturday, August 23.
Stevenage Chief Inspector Sarach Gilbertson said: "Officers attended and spoke with the victim, a man in his 30s, who had suffered a laceration to his head. He was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage for treatment.
Flags can be seen across the street which the men were putting up
|X/HERTSSTANDUP
"It appears that the victim was struck by a glass bottle containing a lit rag and sustained a cut to his head.
"I know that this incident will concern people living locally, but I would like to reassure the community that this was a contained incident.
"Our investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to get in touch with police."
Herts Police said people can report and provide information online or call the non-emergency number 101.