The group fixed the Union Jacks and St George crosses to lampposts along Dereham Road, where some neighbours had removed them during the day.

The main flashpoint was outside the Norwich Central Mosque, on Dereham Road, where a crowd of locals who did not want the flags re-hoisted had gathered.

As tensions rose, police were sent to the scene.

Two officers stood outside the building while eyewitnesses said other officers escorted the group putting up the flags to ensure there was not any trouble.

A group of mostly men in support of the flag raisers returned later in the evening at about 10pm, lining the opposite side of the road and began shouting at the people gathered outside the mosque.

People living in the Dereham Road area gathered around Norwich Central Mosque as 'flaggers' returned(Image: Newsquest)

A Union Jack attached to a lamppost on Dereham Road,........

© Norwich Evening News