Moment masked council workers tear down Union Jack flags in the darkness of night

Masked municipal workers removed Union Jack flags from an intersection in the middle of the night.

Hooded men were captured on hidden camera using ‘power tools’ as they held up banners at the De Luci Fish roundabout in Erith, London.

While the area is cleared of decorations, pieces of flags can be seen on the grass.

Bexley Council took responsibility for the operation, saying the flags were removed for ‘security’ reasons.

Eddie Lucia, a ‘Bexley flagman’, claimed locals ‘loved’ the display.

He told the Daily Mail: ‘We hung St George’s and Union Jack flags on the lamp posts. We also decorated the intersection known as the horse intersection with many flags.

‘Locals loved it but at 2.50am five council workers arrived and demolished it all.

‘They were all wearing hoodies and masks but they couldn’t find our hidden camera which was recording everything.

Bexley Council took responsibility for the operation, saying the flags were removed for ‘security’ reasons

While the area is being cleared of decorations, pieces of flags can be seen on the grass.

‘Bexley council accepted this but never explained why the workers hid their identities and why they did so at 2.50am. [sic].’

Another resident, Dean Phillpott, said: ‘You can hear power tools in the noise. Where is health and safety?

‘Two of the cars were caught on camera leaving the scene. ‘You have a lot to answer for Bexley Council.’

Bexley Council said flags would not be removed in general, but would be removed if they “posed a safety risk”.

A spokesman added: ‘We are constantly monitoring the situation and carrying out risk assessments where appropriate.

‘In line with this policy we have removed the flags at De Luci Fish Junction in Erith and Horse Junction in Belvedere.

‘Both roundabouts are busy, with dual carriageways and other roads converging.

‘Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers need to pay full attention when navigating areas.

A log documenting the removal showed when the junction was decorated with flags ahead of the council operation

‘Bexley flagmen’ photographed taking a ‘well-deserved break’ at the Royal Oak pub in Erith, London

‘Faced with the choice of removing the flags or taking measures to reduce the speed and density of traffic, we made the decision to remove the flags.

‘Any attempt to replace raised flags will lead to new traffic safety measures and subsequent traffic congestion to protect pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.’

Addressing the public, the council added: ‘Please be aware that we take a zero-tolerance approach to threats or intimidation of our employees and contractors carrying out their legitimate duties.

‘We act in line with our declaration of zero tolerance for harassment, aggression, discriminatory behavior or violence towards our staff.’

Over the past few months many towns and cities across the country have been decorated with British flags.

The movement, known as Operation Raise the Colours, has led communities across the country, including Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich and the Isle of Wight, to display Union Jacks and St George banners on the streets in defiance of council bans.

In September, a Labor-run council was one of several authorities to announce it would begin removing hundreds of flags from lampposts and walls across the city.

Derby City Council gave residents the chance to collect their flags before embarking on large-scale removal.

Derby City Council has announced that flags will be removed from lampposts in the city

Derby Councilor Sarah Chambers says ‘it’s time to end the campaign’

Councilor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety, said: ‘Derby City Council understands and shares the pride our residents feel in being British.

We proudly fly the ‘Union Flag’ in front of the Parliament House every day and recognize both the Union Flag and the St George’s Flag as important symbols of our national identity.

‘We fully support and welcome those who choose to fly these flags on their own property.

‘We would also encourage any residents interested in erecting an official flagpole in their area to contact their local ward councilor to discuss the process and possibilities. In recent weeks we have seen the Union Flag and St George’s Flag flown unofficially across the country.

‘During this period Derby City Council has decided not to use our discretionary statutory powers to remove flags or flags placed on street furniture such as lampposts and bridges, unless doing so poses a health and safety hazard.

‘It is important to note that many other councils in the UK take a similar stance.

‘It is time to end this flag flying campaign as we need to start clearing our lampposts for future seasonal and commemorative events.’