Raise the Colours Co-Founder Arrested in Racially-Aggravated Offences Investigation
Ryan Bridge, the 44-year-old co-founder of the Raise the Colours movement, has been arrested on suspicion of racially and religiously aggravated offences. The arrest occurred in Oxfordshire on Tuesday, March 31, as part of a police investigation into public order incidents.
Details of the Arrest and Police Statement
Thames Valley Police detained Bridge, who is from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress. The arrest followed reports of incidents on Abingdon Road in Oxford. Bridge has since been released on police bail while the investigation continues.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police stated: "Officers are investigating those public order offences and have arrested a 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress. He has been released on police bail." The police have urged anyone with information or video footage to report it directly to them rather than sharing it on social media.
Background on Raise the Colours Movement
Raise the Colours was founded by Ryan Bridge and Elliott Stanley, who described their actions as "patriotic". The movement has gained attention for tying England flags, including the Cross of St George and Union flags, to lampposts across Birmingham and other parts of the country. However, the group's activities have sparked controversy and legal action.
Footage from the arrest, shared by Raise the Colours, shows Bridge being pressed against a van by officers. During the incident, he was heard saying, "No-one's resisting. Stop pushing me," and asking what he had "done wrong".
Legal Action and Community Impact
Oxfordshire County Council has issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours, banning the group from placing flags across Oxfordshire. This notice requires the organisation to cease this specified activity immediately.
Councillor Liz Leffman commented on the situation, saying: "The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire. We're proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status." She emphasised that while the council proudly flies national flags as symbols of democracy and unity, the widespread installation by Raise the Colours is seen as an act of intimidation and division.
Leffman added: "Our residents report feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable." The council has vowed to take further legal steps if necessary to protect residents and support community cohesion.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Response
The police investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and information. In an earlier statement on March 27, Thames Valley Police noted they were aware of an incident related to people raising flags on street furniture and had opened an investigation. They assured that appropriate action would be taken where criminal offences are identified.
BirminghamLive approached Raise the Colours for comment, but no response was provided at the time of reporting. The movement's activities have drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting their patriotic displays and others criticising them for causing division and distress in communities.
