Police investigate England flag incident in Oxford

The incident allegedly involved a cherry picker blockading access in Abingdon Road on Tuesday evening, March 24 and residents being unhappy with the presence of those putting flags up.

In a statement late on Friday, police said it is aware of the incident and has opened an investigation.

“We have no further comments at this time but will share an update when we have one,” a spokesman said.

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“Where criminal offences are identified, we will take appropriate and proportionate action in respect of the offenders.

“We would ask anyone with relevant video footage not to share it on social media, but instead to report it to Thames Valley Police, quoting 43260144830.

“If you have any concerns or questions, please speak to us. In an emergency, always call 999.”

MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds said: “If people want to erect the England flag outside their own home that of course is their right.

“However that is not what has happened here, where it appears people who do not live in the neighbourhood were involved, who imposed themselves on the residents of Abingdon Road and disrupted traffic in the rush hour in the process.

“Operational matters are for the police to determine, but I was very concerned to hear about both the obstruction caused by these individuals and their cherry picker and of their apparently intimidating behaviour towards residents.”

Anna Railton, Oxford City Councillor for Hinksey Park (Labour) said: “This group of people are not welcome back to Oxford.”