The Chief of West Midlands Police has outlined the circumstances under which his officers would step in amidst the ongoing England flag controversy, following heightened tensions in a Midlands suburb. Stirchley in Birmingham was the scene of police intervention on Saturday, October 18, as they attempted to separate locals and pro-flag members of the Raise the Colours group after heated disputes erupted.

Some residents alleged feeling 'intimidated' by the group, who have been involved in hanging the cross of St George and Union flags from lampposts across the West Midlands. Members of Raise the Colours repeatedly returned to the area with cherry pickers to replace flags torn down by those alleging the initiative had racist undertones - an accusation vehemently denied by the group.

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