Outrage as van displaying swastika spotted in village

A VAN being driven through a West Wales village has caused outrage after it was pictured with a Nazi flag draped across its back doors.

The vehicle was spotted at a set of traffic lights in Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire on Monday evening.

A large red flag, emblazoned with a black swastika symbol inside a white circle, was hanging down from the back of the van as it drove down Spine Road before heading left into Llandeilo Road and towards Cross Hands roundabout.

Police have received a complaint about the flag, which was also spotted as the vehicle travelled on the eastbound stretch of the A48 towards Pont Abraham – some four miles from Cross Hands.

People have reacted with shock at the sight.

Reacting to the image on social media, one person called it “stomach churning”, another believed it was a clear case of incitement, and others hoped that police would be able to track down the driver.

Rebecca Rosenthal, chair of Equality Carmarthenshire, said the flag represented o p p re s s i o n . “It’s very surprising to see images of Nazi symbolism around Carmarthenshire,” she said.

“It’s offensive on so many levels. Nazi symbolism represents oppression and genocide for many areas of our community.

“Carmarthenshire has a cultural richness that includes diversity and compassion for each other - just look at how the whole community came together during the pandemic, our local press is full of stories of people coming together to support families and individuals in crisis.

“There’s far more that brings together than sets us apart.

“Let’s hope this is a misjudged joke and that it’s acted on quickly. Please remember that if you come across upsetting symbolism you can contact the Police on 101. You can also contact Victim Support if you’ve experienced or witnessed hate crime on 0300 3031 982.”

Dyfed-powys Police has confirmed that inquiries are being made to trace the vehicle involved in the Cross Hands incident and its driver.