Police have arrested a man in connection with a video showing St George’s crosses being painted on homes in Basildon, Essex, which also captured racist language.
The footage depicts two shirtless men applying red crosses to the white walls of flats above a row of shops. A third person records the incident while a young girl watches. As a woman wearing a headscarf passes with her child, racial slurs can be heard.
Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, expressed support for residents displaying England flags across the borough but warned that vandalism is not acceptable. He said, “Racism has no place in Basildon.”
The affected row of shops along Whitmore Way includes a convenience store, a pharmacy, and several eateries, such as an Indian restaurant, a Chinese takeaway, and a burger bar.
Essex Police confirmed that a 33-year-old man from Basildon was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. The arrest followed multiple public reports of the video showing St George’s cross vandalism in Basildon.
After being questioned, he was released on bail while investigations continue.
Ch Insp Paul Hogben said, “Regardless of anyone’s thoughts or views, causing damage by applying paint to people’s properties is clearly a criminal offence.
“Aside from that simple fact, some of the language directed towards a member of the public in this incident was disgraceful.
“I’m confident the vast majority of people in Essex share the view this language has no place in our county.
“We’ve received numerous reports in relation to this matter and it’s only right that we acted upon them.
“We always work to ensure the safety and security of everyone in Essex.”
Basildon is one of several towns where St George’s flags have appeared in recent days. The flags have also been displayed at protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers.
Council leader Gavin Callaghan issued a statement on Saturday, noting the trend.
“This week we’ve seen a large number of England and British flags put up across our borough,” he said.
“I think it’s fantastic to see our flag flying proudly. It shows the pride that so many people feel in our country and our community.
“I have been clear with officers at Basildon Council that we will not be taking down any flags.
“The majority have been fixed to streetlamps, which are Essex County Council’s responsibility, and it will be for them to decide if they stay up or not. Personally, I hope they do.
“But I want to be clear as well: there is a big difference between flying a flag and vandalism. Painting on people’s shops or council buildings isn’t patriotism, it’s criminal damage.
“That isn’t the way to show love for your country. You’re not honouring England by vandalising Basildon. You’re not protecting your child’s future by racially abusing a passer-by.
“Racism has no place in Basildon.”
Callaghan also addressed the specific video, saying, “The video circulating of men painting a St George’s flag on the shops on Whitmore Way wasn’t just about a flag, it was laced with vile racist abuse aimed at a mum and her young child. That is totally wrong and must be called out.”
