Founder of group that put flags on lampposts charged with 14 offences

An activist behind a group that has put Union and St George's Cross flags on lampposts is facing more than a dozen charges.

The counts include threatening and abusive behaviour, racially aggravated offences and assault.

Ryan Bridge, 45, of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, is the founder of Raise The Colours.

The group has been attaching the flags to lampposts in the Midlands and the south of England since last year.

Thames Valley Police said on Sunday that Bridge has been charged with 14 offences. They are:

• Seven counts of using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

• Three counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of, or provoke, unlawful violence.

• Two counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

• One count of racially aggravated fear of violence.

• One count of common assault.

The force said the charges relate to reported incidents between 31 January and 31 March 2026 in Oxfordshire.

Bridge is due to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on 3 November.

Oxfordshire County Council was granted a High Court injunction in July to stop people placing flags near highways, which it said involved safety risks, as well as trespass and obstruction.

Birmingham City Council is seeking a similar injunction.

It names Bridge and others and, if successful, it would prevent anyone from hanging flags.

(c) Sky News 2026: Founder of group that put flags on lampposts charged with 14 offences