A man in his 30s was hospitalised after being struck with a glass bottle containing a lit rag whilst putting up English flags in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The victim, identified only as Louis, suffered a significant laceration to his head during the attack on Fairlands Way at 12.09am on 23 August. Hertfordshire Police confirmed he was taken to Lister Hospital for treatment after what appeared to be a targeted assault involving improvised incendiary materials.
The attack occurred as a group of men were installing St George’s Cross flags on lampposts and poles throughout the town as part of what they describe as a patriotic display of national identity. Footage posted on the group’s social media accounts (@HertsStandUp on X and @StevenagePatriots on Instagram) shows Louis with blood covering his head from a substantial gash.
Police Confirm Petrol Bomb-Style Attack
Stevenage Chief Inspector Sarah Gilbertson confirmed the serious nature of the assault, stating: “It appears that the victim was struck by a glass bottle containing a lit rag and sustained a cut to his head.”
The makeshift weapon bears the hallmarks of a petrol bomb or Molotov cocktail, though police have not officially classified it as such. Officers attended the scene immediately after receiving reports of the assault and provided initial assistance before paramedics arrived.
“I know that this incident will concern people living locally, but I would like to reassure the community that this was a contained incident,” Chief Inspector Gilbertson added. “Our investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to get in touch with police.”
Victims Vow to Continue Flag Campaign Despite Violence
Speaking exclusively to GB News, one member of the group who wished to remain anonymous expressed defiance in the face of the attack. “It is, of course, worrying to see such hostility, but it will never stop us from raising our flag with pride,” he said.
The group believes they were targeted specifically for displaying the English national flag, with the anonymous member stating: “The fact that people are so quick to attack us is concerning, yet it only makes us more determined to stand firm in who we are.”
He suggested the attackers were motivated by “a deep resentment and hatred towards our nation and everything it represents,” adding: “Sadly, that intolerance surfaces when we choose to proudly display our national identity.”
National Flag Displays Spark Controversy Across UK
The Stevenage incident comes amid a wider campaign of flag-raising activities across the United Kingdom. Union Jacks and St George’s Crosses have been appearing on lampposts in various towns and cities in recent days, sparking debate about national identity and patriotism.
Stevenage Borough Council recently announced it would not remove St George’s flags that have been erected around the town, distinguishing itself from other councils such as Birmingham and Tower Hamlets which have taken them down.
Tom Plater, Stevenage Borough Council portfolio holder for stronger communities, said earlier this week: “As a town which is proud of our history and heritage we welcome and support the patriotic flying of our nation’s flags.”
The council requested that anyone displaying flags follows proper guidance, puts them up safely with consideration, and seeks permission from landowners beforehand to ensure they don’t create hazards.
Group Pledges to Continue Despite Attack
Despite the violent assault, the Stevenage group has vowed to continue their activities. The anonymous spokesman explained their motivation: “Flying the flag… to keep our nation’s spirit alive.”
He elaborated on the group’s philosophy: “We are a tolerant, welcoming country, but we also want to preserve our heritage and identity. The St George’s flag is something to be proud of – it represents resilience, unity, and the values we hold dear.”
In a message of defiance, he urged others to follow their example: “My message is simple: keep going, keep waving your flags, because we are a country that does not surrender – and we never will.”
Investigation Ongoing as Community Tensions Rise
The attack has raised concerns about rising tensions within communities over displays of national symbols. The violent response to what the group describes as a peaceful patriotic activity has shocked local residents.
Hertfordshire Police are treating the incident seriously and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the Fairlands Way area around midnight on Friday night or early Saturday morning.
Members of the public with information are urged to report it online at herts.police.uk or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident reference number.
Background of Rising Incidents
The Stevenage attack is not an isolated incident in the area. Fairlands Way has seen previous violent incidents, though none specifically related to flag displays. The area includes Fairlands Valley Park, a popular recreational space in Stevenage.
The incident also occurs against a backdrop of increased focus on immigration-related protests and counter-protests across the UK in recent months, though police have not confirmed any connection between these broader tensions and Saturday’s attack.
As investigations continue, the incident has reignited debates about freedom of expression, national identity, and the limits of peaceful protest in modern Britain. The use of what appears to be an improvised incendiary device marks a serious escalation in violence related to displays of national symbols.
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