A St George’s flag appears to have been cutdown outside County Hall in Durham, prompting a police investigation into the "disappointing act".
Durham Constabulary received a report just after 10am today (October 14) that a flag had been damaged outside the building.
The damaged halyard of the St George's flag that was flying above the Durham council's County Hall (Image: DURHAM COUNCIL)
The Northern Echo understands the flag was brought down after its halyard was cut.
The council is now working with contractors to replace it and restore the flag as soon as possible.
Andrew Husband (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Council leader Andrew Husband described the incident as "unnecessary and disappointing" and said the flag would be put back up as soon as possible.
He said: "It is very disappointing to say the least, it has happened once before at the old Reform office that was infiltrated by a bunch of vigilantes out to do the opposite of patriotism but all I can say is it was unnecessary and disappointing and we will be getting the flag back up as soon as we can."
The damaged halyard of the St George's flag that was flying above the Durham council's County Hall (Image: DURHAM COUNCIL)
County Hall, Durham. (Image: Stuart Boulton)
A spokesperson for the force said: "We received a report just after 10am today that a flag had been damaged outside County Hall in Durham. Enquiries are ongoing."