Masked council workers tore down Union Jack flags from a roundabout in the dead of night.
Hooded men were filmed with their ‘power tools’ on a hidden camera as they removed the banners at the De Luci Fish junction in Erith, London.
Bits of flag are seen lying on the grass as the area is wiped clear of the ornaments.
Bexley Council have since taken responsibility for the operation, saying the flags were removed for ‘safety’ reasons.
Eddie Lucia, of the ‘Bexley flagsters’, claimed locals had ‘loved’ the display.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘We put St George’s and Union Jack flags on lamp posts. We also decorated a roundabout known as the horse roundabout with lots of flags.
‘The locals loved it but at 2.50am five council workers turned up and ripped it all down.
‘They were all wearing hoodies and masks but what they didn’t find was our hidden camera which videoed the whole thing.
Hooded men were filmed with their ‘power tools’ on a hidden camera as they removed the banners at the De Luci Fish roundabout in Erith, London
Bexley Council have since taken responsibility for the operation, saying the flags were removed for ‘safety’ reasons
Bits of flag are seen lying on the grass as the area is wiped clear of the ornaments
‘Bexley council admitted it but never explained why the workers were hiding their ID and why they done it at 2.50am [sic].’
Another local resident, Dean Phillpott, said: ‘In the audio you can hear power tools. Where is the health and safety?
‘Two of the cars were caught on camera leaving the scene. Bexley Council you have a lot to answer for.’
Bexley Council has said it is ‘not removing flags generally’ but doing so if they ‘pose a safety risk’.
A spokesman added: ‘We are continually monitoring the situation and carrying out risk assessments where appropriate.
‘In line with this policy, we removed flags from the De Luci Fish Roundabout in Erith and the Horse Roundabout in Belvedere.
‘Both roundabouts are busy, with dual carriageways and other roads converging.
‘Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers need to pay full attention while navigating the areas.
A recording documenting the removal showed the roundabout before when it was adorned with flags, prior to the council operation
The ‘Bexley flagsters’ are pictured having a ‘well-earned break’ at the Royal Oak pub in Erith, London
‘Faced with the options of removing the flags or introducing measures to reduce traffic speed and volume, which would increase congestion, we have taken the decision to remove the flags.
‘Any attempt to replace the removed flags will result in new traffic safety measures – and their subsequent congestion – to protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.’
Addressing the public, the council added: ‘Please be aware that we take a zero tolerance approach to threats or intimidation of our employees and contractors carrying out their legitimate duties.
‘Abuse, aggression, discriminatory behaviour or violence towards our staff is acted upon in line with our zero tolerance statement.’
Over the past few months, many towns and cities across the country have become adorned in England flags.
Known as Operation Raise the Colours, the movement has led to communities across the country hanging up their Union Jacks and St George’s banners in the streets, including in Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich and the Isle of Wight, in defiance of council bans.
In September a Labour-run council was one of several authorities to announce it would begin ripping down hundreds of the flags from lampposts and walls across the city.
Derby City Council offered residents a chance to collect their flags before beginning the widespread removal.
Derby City Council announced it would begin removing flags from lampposts across the city
Derby Councillor Sarah Chambers had said it is ‘time to bring the campaign to an end’
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety, said: ‘Derby City Council understands and shares the pride our residents feel in being British.
‘We fully support and welcome those who choose to fly these flags on their own property.
‘We also encourage any residents interested in installing an official flagpole in their area to approach their local ward councillors to discuss the process and possibilities. In recent weeks we’ve seen the Union Flag and the Flag of St George flown informally across the country.
‘During this time, Derby City Council has taken the decision not to exercise our discretionary legal powers to remove flags or bunting that has been placed on street furniture, such as lampposts and bridges, unless they’ve been a health and safety hazard.
‘It is important to note that many other councils across the UK have taken a similar stance.
‘It is time to bring this campaign of flag flying to an end as we need to begin to clear our lampposts for future seasonal and commemorative events.’
