Police have arrested a man after a Muslim woman and her child were allegedly subjected to racist abuse in Basildon, Essex, while men painted St George’s crosses on shopfronts.
Footage circulating on social media shows two topless men daubing red crosses on white-painted walls above a row of shops and restaurants on Whitmore Way. A third man is seen filming the scene as a young girl looks on.
It is alleged that racial slurs were directed at a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf as she walked past with her child.
Essex Police confirmed that a 33-year-old man from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. The arrest followed “multiple reports” from members of the public who viewed the video.
The row of shops targeted includes an Indian restaurant, a Chinese takeaway and a burger bar.
Basildon Council’s Labour leader, Gavin Callaghan, said flying flags lawfully was welcome but condemned the vandalism and racist abuse: “Painting on people’s shops or council buildings isn’t patriotism, it’s criminal damage. You’re not honouring England by vandalising Basildon. Racism has no place in our borough.”
He added: “The video 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.”
Chief Inspector Paul Hogben of Essex Police said: “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 was disgraceful. Behaviour like this causes distress, alarm and fear to innocent people.”
The incident comes amid a wave of protests and flag displays across the country, including outside asylum seeker hotels. Basildon has seen numerous England and Union flags put up in recent days, though authorities have stressed a distinction between lawful displays and criminal vandalism.