Confederate flag on Hastings seafront reported to the police

A Hastings resident said she was ‘disgusted and shocked’ to see the Confederate flag flying on the seafront, while police confirmed they have been contacted by members of the public who were offended by it.
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The flag – which is associated with the American Civil War – was first spotted at the Hastings Motor Boat and Yacht Club, in Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, on Monday evening (January 18) when it was reported to police.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said the flag was causing offence to other members of the public, but added that ‘no crime has been identified’.

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On Tuesday (January 19), Sussex Police said: “Police were contacted by a member of the public on Monday (January 18) who wanted to report a flag being flown at a premises on Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings. The report stated the flag was causing offence to other members of the public.

Confederate Flag pictured at Hastings Motor Boat And Yacht. SUS-210119-130138001Confederate Flag pictured at Hastings Motor Boat And Yacht. SUS-210119-130138001
Confederate Flag pictured at Hastings Motor Boat And Yacht. SUS-210119-130138001

“Officers have looked into the matter and while no crime has been identified, efforts are ongoing to engage with the occupants of the building to advise them of the concerns from the public.”

The person who spotted it – and asked not to be identified – said she was ‘disgusted and shocked’ to see a ‘representation of hatred, slavery and white supremacy’ displayed in Hastings, particularly on what was Martin Luther King Day (January 18) which is observed every third Monday in January to honour the former civil rights activist.

The flag spotting also comes days after a number of rioters were seen carrying the Confederate flag in Washington DC as supporters of Donald Trump descended on the capital while members of Congress formalised President-Elect Joe Biden’s win in November’s election. One of the rioters was photographed carrying the Confederate flag through the US Capitol and has since been arrested.

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Hastings Borough Council said it was aware of the flag on Hastings seafront and has been ‘in touch’ with the Hastings Motor Boat and Yacht Club ‘asking them to contact the boat owner and remove the flag’.