Wallingford man ‘assaulted for removing flag from lamppost’

The alleged attack took place on Wednesday, April 15, in Oxford Road, Wallingford at about 11am.

Dashcam footage shared with news platform SWNS captured the moment a 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault in Benson hours later.

READ MORE: Illegal migrants cost Oxfordshire businesses £350,000 fines

The alleged victim of the assault, a man in his 50s, was reported to have no injuries.

Dashcam footage shared with SWNS captured the moment a 45-year-old from Wallingford was arrested on suspicion of assault (Image: Max Button / SWNS)

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “At around 11am on Wednesday we were called to an assault without injury incident in Oxford Road, Wallingford.

“A 45-year-old man, from Wallingford, has been arrested on suspicion of assault by beating. He has since been released on police bail.

“The victim, a man in his 50s, did not sustain injuries.

“If anyone witnessed this incident, the should report any information to us by calling 101 or making an online report, quoting reference 43260182270.”

It comes amid rising tensions in the town over the flying of Union Jack and St George’s Flags.

In February, this newspaper reported how locals in the town view the flags as symbols of “hate, racism and intimidation” and “abuse of a national symbol”.

READ MORE: Wallingford divided over flying of England and Union flags

However, supporters of the Raise The Colours movement, which swept the country last summer, denied the accusations and said they were hanging flags as a protest against illegal immigration.

On March 30, Oxfordshire County Council issued a formal legal notice to Raise The Colours to stop placing flags across the county.

But social media posts and several eyewitness accounts suggest the group is continuing its activity. Oxfordshire County Council declined to comment.