A Muslim mother and her young child were subjected to racial abuse in Basildon, Essex, during an incident involving men painting St George’s crosses on buildings.
Video footage shared widely on social media shows two topless men painting red crosses on the white walls of flats above shops and restaurants in Whitmore Way. Witnesses reported hearing racist slurs directed at a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf as she walked past with her child.
Essex Police confirmed that a 33-year-old man from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Officers said they received “multiple reports” about the disorder on Saturday.
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Police emphasized that racism has “no place” in Basildon, a town located around 27 miles east of London. The incident took place near a parade of shops, including an Indian restaurant, a Chinese takeaway, and a burger bar.
The episode unfolded during a period of heightened patriotic displays across the UK, with St George’s and Union Jack flags being flown in several towns. However, it also comes amid rising tensions, with protests linked to asylum seeker accommodations turning violent in some areas.
Addressing the incident, Basildon Council’s Labour leader, Gavin Callaghan, said:
“The video of men painting a St George’s flag on the shops wasn’t just about patriotism — it was filled with vile racist abuse aimed at a mother and her young child. That is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. Racism has no place in Basildon.”
Essex Police Chief Inspector Paul Hogben also condemned the behaviour, stating:
“Causing damage to people’s property is a crime, and the racist language used was disgraceful. The vast majority of people in Essex reject this kind of abuse, and we acted promptly after receiving several reports. Such behaviour only spreads fear and division.”
Meanwhile, unrest related to anti-migrant demonstrations continues across the UK. At least 15 arrests were made on Sunday alone — including 11 in Liverpool, three in Horley, and one in Bristol, where a 37-year-old woman was detained for assaulting an emergency worker.
Police say investigations into the Basildon incident remain ongoing.
