Fire service bans England flags

Firefighters think the ban on flags is unnecessary

A fire service has banned crews from flying England flags during the World Cup because it is afraid they could offend other nationalities.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the ban has been imposed out of fear that St George's Crosses on the engines could upset some communities.

Fire boss Kevin Butcher said that the fire service had a responsibility to be "inclusive of all nationalities".

But crews said the service had gone too far because of political correctness.

Jim Buck, crew manager at Gosport fire station, said: "I do not think the public would have a problem with the flags as we just want to support our country in the World Cup."

Mr Butcher, who is the brigade's head of operational delivery, sent a memo to all stations in Hampshire advising crews of the ban.

It states: "The display of any flags, stickers or advertising material other than that approved by the service is not permitted on any vehicles or premises owned by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service."

The ban follows a warning recently by Hampshire police that fans flying England flags on their cars were frightening animals.

Motorists were also warned they could face assault charges if an unsecured flag flew off and injured a cyclist or pedestrian.