The flags, raised by members of the public, have sparked disputes between residents, with some viewing them as antagonistic displays. Grapes Hill and Dereham Road in Norwich have become flashpoints, and earlier this month a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of common assault following an altercation linked to the issue.
In a statement, Norfolk Police clarified that their primary concern is “what is said and shouted while the flags are being attached, rather than the act of raising the flag” itself. Officers confirmed they have “no reason to interfere with personal displays of flags on private property”.
Responsibility for removing flags from public spaces, where no crime or planning breach has been committed, lies with the relevant council or highways authority. However, police may step in if a flag has been defaced to include illegal material, or if it poses a risk to public safety.
The row comes against a backdrop of wider unrest surrounding the government’s decision to house asylum seekers in hotels. In Bowthorpe, protestors have been gathering outside the Brook Hotel every Sunday for over a month in opposition to its use as temporary accommodation for migrants.
A police spokeswoman said: “Our role is to support peaceful and respectful communities. We remain committed to working constructively with local authorities and community partners to address emerging issues in a fair and balanced way.”
