The head of a flag campaign group has been carrying out vigilante actions against migrants alongside a far-right associate of Tommy Robinson who was jailed for attempted kidnap. Ryan Bridge, leader of Raise the Colours, and Daniel Thomas have posted online about sabotaging boats used for small Channel crossings.
Earlier this month, the pair claimed to have found a boat on the French coast and shared footage of them damaging its engine. On Friday, they returned to France, with Raise the Colours posting on X that they had destroyed 'another migrant boat'. The group labelled the effort 'Operation Overlord' and posted a video set to 'Rule, Britannia' music.
Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, was sentenced to two years in prison in 2016 for attempted kidnap after targeting the wrong man. He and two others armed with knives attacked a victim in Hampshire, but fled when the man resisted. Thomas later sent a Facebook apology after realising their mistake.
Hope Not Hate reports that Thomas shared a video after last year's Southport attack calling for 'something very extreme' and saying 'every city needs to go up'. He later led a Whitehall demonstration where over 100 people were arrested.
Bridge himself faces potential jail time in Spain over an alleged holiday sickness scam, with two hotel groups seeking an eight-year sentence if convicted. After being approached for comment, Bridge posted videos urging followers to 'expose' the reporter, calling him a 'traitor' and suggesting he had a history of violence.
Despite these actions, Raise the Colours' website states it does not support vigilante behaviour or unauthorised activity, claiming it is a 'lawful, civic movement'. The group has raised nearly £100,000, but critics say its flags have been hijacked as symbols of prejudice rather than pride.
