Pride flag torn down in 'hate crime'

A progress flag which was flying in the centre of a town to mark Pride Month has been torn down and stolen in what is being called a "hate crime".

Wiltshire Police is investigating the incident in Ludgershall, after receiving a report that the flag was cut down between 19:30 and 20:15 BST on Monday.

Officers said a male suspect was seen using ladders from a nearby work van to access the flagpole, and was driving a silver Honda Accord.

"Ludgershall Town Council really wanted to show they were a progressive council in a progressive town, but it seems we have a way to go," a spokesperson said in a statement.

The progress version of the traditional rainbow flag includes extra coloured stripes to represent people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, the transgender community, and those living with HIV and Aids.

It had been raised next to the town's war memorial.

The commemorative act sparked "abuse on Facebook" directed at the local authority and the "diverse community" of Ludgershall, the town council said.

Both "hate crimes" were reported to the police.

The flag pole and rope structure were damaged in the incident, and as a result, the local authority may not be able to fly a flag to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.

"We are trying to get [the pole] repaired, but it depends on the extent of the damage," a council spokesperson said.

They estimate the cost to be at least £320.

Anybody with information relating to the incident is asked to contact police.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.