A Labour-run council has sparked a major backlash by tearing down St George's and Union Jack flags from streets because they 'could put lives at risk'.
Scores of British flags have sprung up on lampposts and buildings across parts of Northfield, Birmingham, in what organisers have described as a 'patriotic outpouring'.
They first appeared in Weoley Castle before spreading across to areas including Bartley Green, Selly Oak and Frankley Great Park.
Weoley Warriors, who are behind the influx of flags, describe themselves as a 'group of proud English men with a common goal to show Birmingham and the rest of the country of how proud we are of our history, freedoms and achievements.'
The protesters, who have raised £4,000 for flags, poles and cable ties, have defiantly hit back at accusations they are racist and insist they are 'giving hope to local communities that all isn't lost and they are not alone.'
