Man, 33, arrested after painting England flags and ‘shouting racist abuse’ at mother in Basildon

Police have arrested a man for vandalism after people were seen painting England flags above a high street in Essex.

In a viral video, two topless men appear to climb on top of a shopping parade in Whitmore Way, Basildon.

They paint several England flags on top of the estate before one of them appears to shout a racist slur at a woman walking with a child.

Essex Police detectives, investigating the video now seen more than 5.8million times on X, said they had arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage on Saturday.

He has been questioned and released on bail.

An Essex police spokesman said: ‘Officers investigating reports of criminal damage and a racially aggravated incident in Basildon have made an arrest.

‘This follows multiple reports received from the public reporting a video circulating online showing individuals applying paint to the exterior of several properties in Whitmore Way.

‘At one stage in the video, racist abuse is audibly and visibly directed at a woman who is passing by alongside some children.’

Chief Inspector Paul Hogben said: ‘Regardless of anyone’s thoughts or views, causing damage by applying paint to people’s properties is clearly a criminal offence.

‘Aside from that simple fact, some of the language directed towards a member of the public in this incident was disgraceful.

‘I’m confident the vast majority of people in Essex share the view this language has no place in our county.

‘We’ve received numerous reports in relation to this matter and it’s only right that we acted upon them.

‘We always work to ensure the safety and security of everyone in Essex.

‘Behaviour like this does nothing to further any argument or make any valid point beyond harming our district and causing distress, alarm and fear to innocent people.’

The row of shops off Whitmore Way includes an off-licence store, pharmacy, an Indian restaurant and a Chinese takeaway.

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Borough Council, said there was a ‘big difference between flying a flag and vandalism”

In a statement, he said: ‘The video circulating of men painting a St George’s flag on the shops on Whitmore Way wasn’t just about a flag, it was laced with vile racist abuse aimed at a mum and her young child.

‘That is totally wrong and must be called out.’

People have started a trend of painting the St George’s Cross on crossings and roundabouts across the country following an online movement called Operation Raise the Colours.

But council workers have been removing them in Brighton, Tower Hamlets in east London and Birmingham, leading to some community tensions.