A police investigation has begun after a historic white horse carved into a Wiltshire hillside was temporarily turned into an England flag.
Red fabric was draped over the Westbury White Horse in the shape of the St George’s cross last Tuesday, and was attached to the 175ft (53m) tall landmark using pegs.
The installation was later removed after being reported to English Heritage, which said they had assessed the site and that the pegs had caused minimal damage”.
Wiltshire Police said following English Heritage’s assessment, “we have received a report regarding minor damage being done to the horse through the use of pegs”. The force added they were “in the early stages of our inquiries”.
The force originally said it was not investigating the incident.
The red fabric on the landmark appeared after thousands of St George’s flags appeared across England in recent months.
The Westbury White Horse is thought to have been originally carved in 878 AD to commemorate King Alfred’s victory over the Danes at the Battle of Ethandune.
