Ukraine flag on Greengates cenotaph vandalised again

The Friends of Greengates Cenotaph has spoken out after vandals defaced their second flag earlier this week.

Police have recorded the incident as being racially/religiously aggravated.

The group put up a flag showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine in 2021 after Russia’s invasion, but the flag, which has the word ‘solidarity’ written across it, was set alight.

Now the second flag has been daubed with the word 'Nazi'.

The first flag was set alight by vandals (Image: UGC)

Micheal Frazer, one of the members of Friends of Greengates Cenotaph, said: “A great deal of people in the Greengates and Apperley Bridge area were left deeply upset about the invasion of Ukraine and about 18 months ago we erected a flag, it was a Ukraine flag with the word solidarity across it.

“When we posted it on Facebook, a lot of residents really appreciated it - but then a couple of months ago it was burnt down.”

One lady who was upset the flag had been vandalised paid to have a new one erected - exactly the same flag as the one before.

It was only installed four weeks ago, but the flag was once again defaced this week when the word ‘Nazi’ was written across it in felt tip pen.

The incident was reported to West Yorkshire Police as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.

Michael added: “ A lady in the group is trying to clean the flag and remove the word.”

If she’s successful the flag will go back up near the cenotaph but if she isn’t, the group has not yet decided if they will put another up.

Michael said: “We’ve been having conversations, what should we do, should we put another one up, but will a third flag be vandalised?

“People were really upset. We just wanted to show solidarity with the people suffering in Ukraine.”

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police, said: “We have recorded a racially/religiously criminal damage on New Line Bradford on November 20.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”