Police have launched an investigation after red fabric forming the St George’s Cross was found pinned to a 400-year-old landmark. On September 9, the fabric was attached to the Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire, which is believed to have been carved into the hillside as far back as the 1600s. It is around 180ft high and can be seen for miles.
English Heritage removed the installation later that day and assessed the pegs used as having caused “minimal damage” to the landmark. Wiltshire Police initially said the incident was not being investigated as no criminal offences were thought to have been committed. However, on Tuesday, a police spokesman confirmed that an investigation had begun.
They said: “Following an assessment of the Westbury White Horse by English Heritage, we have received a report regarding minor damage being done to the horse through the use of pegs. We are in the early stages of our inquiries.”
The white horse was carved into the chalk grassland below an Iron Age hillfort at Bratton Camp in Wiltshire, and local records suggest the horse originally appeared in the late 1600s.
It is believed to have been carved to commemorate the supposed Battle of Ethandun, which is thought to have taken place at Bratton Camp in 878 AD.
The reason the St George’s Cross was pinned to the horse is unclear. However, Brits have been draping the UK in Union Jack and St George’s flags following an online campaign.
Some people celebrated the campaign, while others claimed the increased number of flags was a result of xenophobia or racism.
Operation Raise the Colours has triggered a spike in flag sales among flagmakers, especially of the St George’s flag, which is a close second to the Union Jack.
The nationwide movement appeared to have been triggered by Birmingham City Council removing British and English flags from lamp posts for safety reasons, which prompted frustration and backlash.
The flag has also been widely flown at anti-migration protests, and many brandished it at the Tommy Robinson protest last weekend. Many have been vocal in criticising how they believe the far right has turned the nation’s flag into a symbol of division.