A man was run over by a van in Birmingham after a group of residents took down union flags put up by the anti-migrant group Raise the Colours. The incident occurred on Thursday evening in the Stirchley suburb, leaving the victim, in his 30s, with a broken leg that required surgery. He remains hospitalized.
West Midlands police confirmed the van failed to stop but was later recovered on Prince Road and is being examined. Authorities are reviewing CCTV and social media footage to determine the circumstances.
Witness Accounts
Three witnesses, two of whom have given statements to police, described the events. Around 10 people had gathered on Pershore Road at about 10pm to remove flags placed earlier by Raise the Colours. They alleged that men wearing the group's logo arrived and became aggressive, seeking confrontation.
A resident reported being punched by a man in a Raise the Colours hoodie. Video footage shared with the Guardian shows the same individual tearing a face mask from another woman. The men are heard calling the group a "fucking disgrace" and "traitors to your own country."
Victim's Friend Speaks
The victim's friend, who was also present, said she did not realize he had been hit until a Raise the Colours member mentioned it. She stayed with him in the hospital until 3am. "He was too scared to call out after being hit, fearing the van would return," she said.
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety, said men wearing the group's logo confronted them aggressively after they removed three flags. He noted the Raise the Colours logo was visible on the van.
Group's Response
Raise the Colours co-founder Ryan Bridge told the BBC that the area was "hijacked" by the "far-left" and that the group does not condone violence. He claimed ignorance of the crash.
The group has erected thousands of union and Saint George flags across England, drawing criticism for anti-immigrant rhetoric. Oxfordshire County Council previously issued a legal notice banning the group from flag-putting due to abusive behavior.
Political Reaction
Local Labour MP Al Carns wrote to the acting chief constable, expressing concern over "harassment, intimidation, and physical assault" reported by dozens of residents. He called for preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
David Clarke, a Stirchley resident involved in flag removals since September, said the incident was shocking but not surprising. "We have been saying for a long time that Raise the Colours guys were a serious threat," he stated.
Brummies United Against Racism, a grassroots initiative, renewed calls for newly elected councillors to take urgent action against the group.
