Council now threatens to prosecute patriotic flag-raisers who were subjected to 'violent physical attacks by left-wing mob'

The council warned that if Raise the Colours does not comply, they will explore "all available options," which could include civil or criminal proceedings.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire.

“We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity.

“However, the widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities.

“Our residents report feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable.

“The council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. That is why we are taking firm action.

The announcement from the council follows allegations that members of Raise the Colours were attacked after installing St George and Union Jack flags on a busy street.

The incident unfolded at approximately 5pm on March 24 during peak rush hour on Abingdon Road, Grandpont, with the group using a cherry-picker van marked Highway Maintenance to attach flags on both sides of the busy carriageway.

An open letter from the Grandpont Welcomes campaign was circulated last week, declaring residents are "horrified by this action, not because of the flags, but because of the intention behind them and the underlying hate they are trying to sow".

“We won’t hesitate to take further legal steps where necessary to protect residents and support the cohesion of our communities.”

Ryan Bridge, one of the co-founders of the group, broadcasted the entire operation live on social media.

He told GB News: "We just wanted to support Oxfordshire, as they had flags taken down by the council at a cost of £51 per lamppost. We assisted them erecting flags to install patriotism and unity across the board.

"We were attacked verbally and physically four times in Oxford by four members of the public, verbally attacked all night and called scumbags, racists, nazis, and fascists.

"I was punched, kicked and hit by a bike - I've paid tax into the country for years, and I believe those who attacked us are traitors to their country.

"The amount of abuse from residents of Oxford was an absolute disgrace, and I commend the police, who handled the situation and protected us by keeping the mob away from us".

During the flag-raising operation, men wearing high-visibility jackets manoeuvred the cherry-picker vehicle across both sides of the road, obstructing traffic as they worked.

A woman employed at the University of Oxford, who wished to remain anonymous, described being verbally abused after questioning why the group was illegally erecting flags on a public road.

She told local outlet This is Oxfordshire: "He became abusive and threatening, shouting and filming with his phone in my face, in particular he said he could not understand me, because I have an accent, and ridiculed me because I am Italian".

She reported that the confrontations continued for hours, with group members "shouting hate and insulting anyone in their way" while blocking traffic.

Mr Bridge rebutted the claims against him, claiming the Raise the Colours group was assisted by people from France, Italy, and eastern Europe, with thousands more messages in support of "our efforts to help patriots and families all around the country feel heard".

He said: "People feel they haven't got anyone else to turn to and are fueled with anger and frustration over the illegal migrant crisis".

Lucy, a South Oxford resident, said: "This Raise the Colours group harassed, intimated and insulted me and others", and that women and people of colour in the neighbourhood expressed fear about the group's presence.

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