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National flags put up again in Norwich as tensions rise

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Norwich has seen a second night of tension on the streets as 'flaggers' returned to an area to put up national flags, sparking a stand-off with locals.

The group fixed the Union Jacks and St George crosses to lampposts along Dereham Road, where some neighbours had removed them during the day.

The main flashpoint was outside the Norwich Central Mosque, on Dereham Road, where a crowd of locals who did not want the flags re-hoisted had gathered.

As tensions rose, police were sent to the scene.

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Two officers stood outside the building while eyewitnesses said other officers escorted the group putting up the flags to ensure there was not any trouble.

A group of mostly men in support of the flag raisers returned later in the evening at about 10pm, lining the opposite side of the road and began shouting at the people gathered outside the mosque.

People gather outside the mosque in Dereham Road, Norwich(Image: Newsquest)

A Union Jack attached to a lamppost in Dereham Road(Image: Newsquest)

On Wednesday evening, the locals gathered near the mosque, having heard stories of neighbours living in Dereham Road barricading their doors after hearing shouting and chanting on Tuesday night.

A group of mostly men shot at the crowds gathered outside the mosque(Image: SiptheSystem)

READ MORE: Angry scenes on streets as locals take down flags from lampposts

"It terrified her the previous night seeing the men outside and I asked them not to look into her window.

"They refused and said they could hang them wherever they liked and threatened to come back later and look through her window and go onto our roof.

"They pushed my neighbour really hard after he came to help.

"My son has a best friend who is a refugee, he is scared something will happen to him."

A flag is attached to a lamppost outside a mosque in Norwich (Image: Instagram)

Michelle added: "I probably wouldn't fly a flag now to show support for my country during something like a football tournament. This movement has stolen patriotism."

Halim, who has lived in Norwich for 30 years, said: "They are doing what they are doing but there hasn't been any trouble.

"It is very kind for our neighbours to be supporting the mosque and people who come and pray here appreciate that.

"People here are very lovely and kind."

A crowd gathers outside a mosque in Norwich(Image: Newsquest)

Quin Jianoran, head chef at Lupa Pizza, a nearby restaurant, had delivered pizzas to the crowd.

He said: "We donated some pizza to some lovely hungry people. We wanted to support the community when this is happening on our doorstep."

Amanda, who has lived in the community for 25 years added: "One of the stated aims of these groups is to keep the streets safe for women. But the first time I have felt unsafe here was last night.

A group gathers on the opposite side of Dereham Road(Image: SiptheSystem)

James, another local resident, said he had witnessed threatening and aggressive behaviour from some of the people raising the flags.

"Police seemed to be doing nothing to stop them," he said.

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman said: "Police received reports of a verbal altercation between two groups of people on Dereham Road in Norwich.

"Officers attended and engaged with both groups.

"No arrests were made at the scene, although footage of the incident continues to be reviewed and today (September, 11) a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He remains at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

"There will be increased patrols in the area this evening to help reassure those living nearby. We remain committed to supporting respectful dialogue and continue to work with local residents, community leaders and businesses to make sure everyone feels safe and heard."

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