Leader of group behind flag campaign in England charged with 14 offences

Ryan Bridge, who co-founded Raise the Colours, to appear in court on charges including racially aggravated harassment

The leader of a group responsible for raising union jack and St George’s flags across England has been charged with 14 offences, including racially aggravated harassment, threatening behaviour and assault.

Ryan Bridge, 45, of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, co-founded Raise the Colours, which describes itself as a “grassroots movement for unity and patriotism”.

Seven counts of using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress;

Three counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of, or provoke, unlawful violence;

Two counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress;

One count of racially aggravated fear of violence;

One count of common assault.