Video shows two men painting St George's crosses on the white walls of flats above shops on Whitmore Way, Basildon, while a third person films and a young girl watches. The clip captures racist abuse aimed at a woman wearing a headscarf who passed with children. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage, questioned and released on bail. Basildon Council leader welcomed patriotic flag displays but warned against criminal damage and stated racism has no place in Basildon. Essex Police appealed for information and emphasized public safety.
Regardless of anyone's thoughts or views, causing damage by applying paint to people's properties is clearly a criminal offence. 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.
Racism has no place in Basildon.
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