A man has been arrested after a video of him shouting racist remarks to a Muslim woman went viral, while he was filming homes in Essex being painted with the England flag.
A 33-year-old man in Basildon, Essex, has been arrested following the viral video.
The individual in question shouted “rag head” at a Muslim woman in hijab who was with a child, as well as making stereotypical Arab tribal sounds at her.
Essex Police detectives have investigated the video, which garnered millions of views on X, stating that they arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage on Saturday 23 August.
The man in question has since been questioned and released on bail.
Chief Inspector of Essex Police, Paul Hogben, said that applying paint to people’s properties is a criminal offence “regardless of anyone’s thoughts or views.”
“Aside from that simple fact, some of the language directed towards a member of the public in this incident was disgraceful,” he continued.
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Vandalism is not patriotism
Basildon Council’s Labour leader Gavin Callaghan commented on the recent event, saying that he welcomes English patriotism in his borough, seeing no problem with those who hang and fly English flags.
However, he was quick to point out that criminal damage and “racism has no place in Basildon.”
Labour leader Callaghan said in a statement on Saturday 23 August that it is “fantastic to see our flag flying proudly.”
“It shows the pride that so many people feel in our country and our community, but I want to be clear as well: there is a big difference between flying a flag and vandalism”, he said.
Callaghan went on to describe how painting on peoples shops or council buildings is not patriotism but rather criminal damage.
He continued by pointing out that vandalism does not honour English patriotism, and that “You’re not protecting your child’s future by racially abusing a passer-by.”
The vandalism took place on top of a row of shops and council flats in Whitmore Way, which included a pharmacy, convenience shops, and restaurants, including an Indian and Chinese takeaway.
Who was St. George?
In the comments under the viral clip, which garnered over 220,000 views across 5Pillars social media channels, viewers were quick to point out how contradictory the individual’s action was.
In a comment which garnered over 1,369 likes, one viewer said: “St George – born in Cappadocia (modern day Turkey). Raised in Palestine.”
Another viewer also questioned the vandal’s actions: “Was St. George not Middle Eastern himself?”
The St. George’s Cross, which makes up the English flag, comes from the third century Christian saint, who was a Cappdocian Greek that lived and was buried in modern-day Palestine.
