Palestinian flags removed amid police concern

By Tim DonovanPolitical Editor, BBC London

Palestinian flags are being removed from lamp-posts on streets in east London after concerns were raised with police.

On Bow Road in Tower Hamlets nearly every lamp-post had a flag attached, according to reports on social media.

The Metropolitan Police said no offence had been committed but it raised the issue with Transport for London (TfL) which is responsible for the roads.

TfL said it was removing 'unauthorised flags".

Tower Hamlets Council, which is also responsible for the roads, said it was also removing the flags.

New Scotland Yard said flying the Palestinian flag did not alone constitute a criminal offence, but a spokesperson added: "There are some situations where the presence of a flag or banner or the use of specific words or phrases could be seen as intimidation.

"In some circumstances, it could also be seen as intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress."

Met officers contacted TfL and Tower Hamlets council on Monday.

'Swiftly removing'

In a statement TfL said: "We are investigating reports of unauthorised flags on the road network in Tower Hamlets and are removing these swiftly where they are found to be attached to TfL infrastructure."

It added that it was important infrastructure remained "safe and clear of unauthorised objects".

No details have been provided about the number of flags taken down.

One Labour councillor from another east London borough, who did not want to be named, said they had been concerned to see so many flags on one street.

"One flag outside someone's home as an individual statement is one thing. But on nearly every lamp-post is different.

"If I was from certain communities I might not feel safe. It may not be breaking the law but local councils have a duty to deal with this and try to keep all people together."

Tower Hamlets Council said it was removing flags from lamp-posts on its roads.

A spokesperson said: "A number of Palestinian flags have been put up by the public in recent weeks.

"While we appreciate people want to express their support for Palestine, we have a routine responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure.

"As a result, the situation is under daily review."

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