Ryan Bridge, the individual behind the Raise the Colours movement, has been taken into custody in Oxfordshire under suspicion of racially-aggravated offenses. He is known for his involvement in displaying the cross of St George and Union flags on lampposts nationwide. Bridge, aged 44 and from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, founded Raise the Colours alongside Elliott Stanley, citing reasons of patriotism.
The arrest was made by officers from Thames Valley Police following investigations into public order incidents in Oxford. Video footage released by Raise the Colours captured Bridge being detained near a van.
During the arrest, Bridge can be heard telling officers not to push him, stressing that he was not resisting. He questioned the reasons for his arrest while instructing his cameraman to focus the camera on him. Subsequently, Raise the Colours was issued a legal notice prohibiting the placement of flags in Oxfordshire.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest, stating that the 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove had been released on police bail. An earlier statement by the police regarding an incident on Abingdon Road mentioned ongoing investigations into public order offenses related to flag-raising activities.
Oxfordshire County Council responded to the flag placements by issuing a formal notice to Raise the Colours, demanding the cessation of this activity. Cllr Liz Leffman expressed concerns about the impact of these actions on the community, emphasizing the importance of unity and democracy represented by the Union and St George’s flags flown by the council.
The council denounced the flag placements by Raise the Colours as divisive and intimidating, causing distress and unease among residents. They emphasized the need to safeguard community cohesion and public spaces, pledging to take necessary legal actions to protect residents and promote inclusivity.
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