A man has been arrested after a Nazi flag was raised in a Welsh village just weeks before the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The flag was hoisted up overnight on telephone lines over a church on Bailey Street, Ton Pentre, Rhondda.
Officers from South Wales Police received reports of the flag this morning, and urgently arranged for it to be taken down.
The force confirmed that a local 52-year-old man has been arrested for racially aggravated public disorder.
The flag was hoisted up overnight on telephone lines in Bailey Street, Ton Pentre
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The force said in a statement: “We received a report about the flag just before 7am today – contact has been made with the utility company to ensure its immediate removal.
“An investigation is now underway to identify who was responsible.”
They later added: “We can confirm a 52 year-old local man has been arrested for racially aggravated public disorder and is in police custody.
“The flag has now been removed.”
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One local resident slammed the act as “disgusting”, whilst another said it was “absolutely sickening in this day in age”.
Another said the perpetrator is “not wanted in this community”.
Reacting to the incident, local MP Chris Bryant said: “God knows what gets into some people’s minds. Just when we’re coming up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day this is sick and perverted.”
Britain is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a four-day celebration beginning on May 5.
Officers from South Wales Police received reports of the flag this morning
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The commemorations will honour the millions who served in the World War Two across the UK and Commonwealth.
Events will include a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace followed by a flypast featuring current and historic aircraft, including the Red Arrows.