- Ryan Bridge was arrested for suspected racially and religiously aggravated harassment while leading a flag-raising group.
- Oxfordshire County Council issued a legal notice to stop the group from hanging flags in public areas.
- Bail conditions for the forty-four-year-old leader currently include a strict ban on entering the county.
Police recently detained the co-founder of Raise the Colours, a group known for hanging numerous Saint George and union flags. Authorities arrested forty-four-year-old Ryan Bridge on suspicion of racially and religiously aggravated harassment during his activities. Officers from the Thames Valley Police took him into custody on Tuesday evening for causing alarm and distress.
The arrest followed several reports of public order offenses occurring on Abingdon Road in Oxford last week. Bridge was held for approximately 18 and a half hours before being released on bail. According to the suspect, his bail conditions prohibit him from visiting Oxfordshire. He expressed his frustration online, suggesting the situation was a disgrace to his country.
Oxfordshire County Council took firm action by issuing a formal legal notice against the group on Monday. This directive specifically orders the organization to cease hanging flags across the region immediately. Officials warned that they might pursue civil or criminal proceedings if the group continues its campaign. The council views the group’s persistence as a major community concern.
Liz Leffman, the council leader, described the widespread flag installation as an act of intimidation rather than patriotism. She noted that residents often report feeling unsafe and unwelcome due to these displays. Furthermore, staff members tasked with removing the flags have reportedly faced threats and abuse. The council maintains that this behavior has a damaging impact on the local community.
Despite the legal pressure, the Raise the Colours leader utilized social media to encourage his followers to keep fighting. The group had previously posted videos showing members erecting flags in various Oxfordshire locations. Since its inception, the group has faced significant criticism for its rhetoric. It continues to be monitored by local authorities as the investigation into the public order offenses proceeds.
