Hate crime arrest after pride flags torn down

A man has been arrested after allegedly tearing down three pride flags from an after-school club while making homophobic comments.

The incident occurred on Ashton Gate Road in south Bristol at about 19:00 BST on Friday, Avon and Somerset Police said, prompting at least a dozen people to report it.

The flags were part of a display of international and other flags, and police are treating the incident as a hate crime.

The suspect, in his 30s, was arrested in Bedminster on Monday on suspicion of theft and criminal damage, the force said.

He was further arrested on suspicion of drugs and weapons offences after officers found cocaine and other items at the address.

Anyone with any information about the alleged offences is asked to contact police.

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