Man arrested after Pride flag torn down
The flag in Weston-super-Mare has now been replaced
Last updated 14th Jun 2024
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed a man has been arrested in connection with the destruction of a Pride flag in Weston-super-Mare.
In a statement, officers said: "A man is in police custody after a Pride flag was destroyed in Weston-super-Mare.
"The flag was removed from outside Grove House and set on fire overnight Wednesday 12 to Thursday 13 June.
"Officers arrested a man in his twenties of no fixed abode at just before midday today, Friday 14 June, on suspicion of criminal damage.
"He currently remains in the cells."
Yesterday, the North Somerset LGBT+ Forum said they're 'saddened' to hear the progress rainbow flag outside a Weston Town Council building's been removed and burned.
They said: "The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum are saddened to hear that the progress rainbow flag outside Weston Town Council's Grove House, raised by the Town Mayor to celebrate Pride Month, was removed and burnt last night in an act of hate.
"We thank the Council for taking swift action, and the flag has now been replaced. We await further information from the police investigation which has been initiated.
"For this to happen during Pride Month sadly demonstrates the ongoing hostility our communities receive, and that the need for awareness, education, and acceptance has not gone away. Hate will not win."
Avon and Somerset Police add they were called to Grove House on Thursday morning.
They're treating the incident as a hate crime.
In a statement, they added: "We were called at 9.15am to a report that a Pride flag had been removed from outside Grove House in Weston-super-Mare and set on fire, destroying the flag.
"This is believed to have taken place between 5pm on Wednesday (12 June) and 7.30am this morning (13 June).
"The incident is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing.
"If you have any information which could help our investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224152268."
A spokesperson from Weston-super-Mare Town Council said: "We can confirm the pride flag was taken down from the flag pole and burned.
"The police have been informed and a new pride flag has been put in place."