On August 23, 2025, a video began circulating widely on social media, showing two shirtless men painting red St George’s crosses on the white walls of flats above a row of shops on Whitmore Way in Basildon, Essex. As the men worked, a third person filmed the scene, and a young girl watched nearby. The footage, which quickly drew attention and concern online, captured more than just an act of flag painting—it included racial slurs directed at a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf as she walked past with her child.
The reaction from the local community was swift and decisive. According to BBC News, Essex Police received “multiple reports” from the public regarding the video, prompting an immediate investigation. By Saturday, August 23, officers had arrested a 33-year-old man from Basildon on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. The man was questioned and released on bail as the investigation continued, police confirmed on August 24.
The row of shops targeted in the incident is a familiar neighborhood hub, featuring a convenience store, a pharmacy, and a selection of food outlets, including an Indian restaurant, a Chinese takeaway, and a burger bar. The location, usually a symbol of Basildon’s diversity and daily life, became the backdrop for a troubling episode that has sparked debate across the borough and beyond.
Basildon Council’s Labour leader, Gavin Callaghan, addressed the community in a statement issued on August 23. He acknowledged the recent surge in displays of patriotism, noting, “This week we’ve seen a large number of England and British flags put up across our borough. I think it’s fantastic to see our flag flying proudly. It shows the pride that so many people feel in our country and our community.” However, Callaghan drew a clear line between patriotism and criminality, stating, “But I want to be clear as well: there is a big difference between flying a flag and vandalism. Painting on people’s shops or council buildings isn’t patriotism, it’s criminal damage. That isn’t the way to show love for your country. You’re not honouring England by vandalising Basildon. You’re not protecting your child’s future by racially abusing a passer-by. Racism has no place in Basildon.”
Callaghan’s statement specifically referenced the video, emphasizing the gravity of the incident: “The video circulating of men painting a St George’s flag on the shops on Whitmore Way wasn’t just about a flag, it was laced with vile racist abuse aimed at a mum and her young child. That is totally wrong and must be called out.”
Chief Inspector Paul Hogben of Essex Police echoed these sentiments, underscoring the police’s commitment to upholding community standards and the law. “Regardless of anyone’s thoughts or views, causing damage by applying paint to people’s properties is clearly a criminal offence,” Hogben said. “Aside from that simple fact, some of the language directed towards a member of the public in this incident was disgraceful. I’m confident the vast majority of people in Essex share the view this language has no place in our county. We’ve received numerous reports in relation to this matter and it’s only right that we acted upon them. We always work to ensure the safety and security of everyone in Essex. Behaviour like this does nothing to further any argument or make any valid point beyond harming our district and causing distress, alarm and fear to innocent people.”
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened patriotic displays across the country. St George’s flags and Union Jacks have been a common sight in recent days, not only in Basildon but also at protests outside hotels used to house asylum seekers, including locations in Epping, Essex, and Canary Wharf in east London, Daily Mail reported. While many residents have embraced the display of national symbols as an expression of pride and unity, the events in Basildon have reignited discussions about the boundaries between patriotism, protest, and prejudice.
For many in the community, the key issue is the distinction between lawful celebration and unlawful conduct. As Callaghan put it, “The majority [of flags] have been fixed to streetlamps, which are Essex County Council’s responsibility, and it will be for them to decide if they stay up or not. Personally, I hope they do.” Yet he stressed that criminal damage and racism are unequivocally unacceptable, a sentiment echoed by residents and officials alike.
Police are continuing to assess the video and have encouraged anyone with additional information or concerns to reach out via the Essex Police website, their online Live Chat service, or by calling 101. The investigation remains active, and authorities have appealed for calm and cooperation as they gather further evidence.
The episode has prompted reflection within Basildon and beyond about the meaning of national symbols and the responsibilities that come with their display. As the Independent noted, Basildon is just one of many places across the UK currently adorned with St George’s flags, a visual testament to both national pride and, in some cases, underlying tensions. The challenge, as articulated by both civic and police leaders, is to ensure that such expressions do not cross the line into criminality or hate.
The row of shops on Whitmore Way—home to a pharmacy, a convenience store, and eateries offering Indian, Chinese, and Western fare—stands as a microcosm of Basildon’s diverse community. The events of August 23 have cast a spotlight on the need for vigilance against both vandalism and racism, while also reaffirming the borough’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.
As the investigation continues, Basildon’s leaders have made their position clear: pride in one’s country can and should be celebrated, but not at the expense of others’ safety, dignity, or property. The message from both the council and police is unmistakable—racism, in any form, will not be tolerated. The community now waits for the outcome of the police investigation, hopeful that justice will be served and that the incident will serve as a catalyst for greater understanding and unity.
Basildon’s response to this troubling event is a reminder that, even in moments of national pride, the values of respect, legality, and inclusion must remain at the forefront. The borough’s leaders and residents have drawn a clear line: there is room for flags, but not for hate.
